MP calls on Ofcom to probe Shrewsbury sorting office closure plan

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski has written to the Royal Mail's regulator, Ofcom, to ask it to investigate plans to shut Shrewsbury's sorting office in 2014.

Royal Mail says the closure of the centre in Castlefields is necessary due to a decline in mail volume and challenges from digital communications.

But union chiefs claim the move will put 170 jobs at risk and cost Shrewsbury's economy £3 million.

Mr Kawczynski today said the decision to close the sorting office was the 'wrong' choice and called for an investigation into whether the closure was in the 'best interests' of people living in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

In a letter to Ofcom, he said: "I consider that the loss of this large employer will have a detrimental impact on the economy of the town and have worries over the quality of service that my constituents will have in the future."

The letter went on: "I am seeking reassurance from you, as the regulatory authority for the Royal Mail, that jobs and services will be protected and that we can continue to receive the best communications service possible."

Mr Kawczynski said he was meeting senior directors from Royal Mail in the Ho-use of Commons this week to discuss the closure plans.

He said: "This is the wrong decision at the wrong time. It is bad for Shrewsbury and will have an impact on deliveries to rural areas of the county.

"I will be specifically challenging them about the decision to close the sorting office."

Last week, Royal Mail reported a 1,100 per cent increase in profits.