Plea for mail cuts rethink

Civic leaders in Ellesmere campaigning against the proposed closure of a Royal Mail delivery office in the town are urging the firm's bosses to rethink the move.

Peter Holloway, Elles-mere town clerk, has written to Royal Mail chiefs setting out the town council's reasons why the facility should not be closed.

The letter also carries the weight of a 1,200-signature petition against the closure.

The move comes following Royal Mail's announcement last week to close its delivery offices in Ellesmere and Church Stretton.

Workers and customers would be forced to travel to Oswestry or Craven Arms.

Mr Holloway said that many Ellesmere people were against the closure, and hoped his letter highlighted the views of the community.

He said: "The letter just outlines the grounds on which we would resist the closure, together with highlighting the views of residents and business people."

Staff at the Ellesmere office met Communication Workers' Union representative Pete Kelly last week to call for the move to be cancelled.

Jaquie Stenson, Royal Mail spokeswoman, said: "Faced with full competition and declining mail volumes, Royal Mail has to review the operational efficiency and commercial practicality of all its units. As a result of such a review the decision has been taken to transfer the operation from Elles-mere to Oswestry."