Further talks on PO axe proposal

Workers at two Shropshire Royal Mail delivery offices destined for closure next month will hold further talks with union representatives this week.

Staff at Ellesmere and Church Stretton delivery offices will meet with Pete Kelly, from the Communication Workers' Union, to discuss their campaign against the proposed closures.

Both offices are due to close on May 16, with staff and work transferred to Oswestry or Craven Arms.

Mr Kelly, who met with workers last week said staff were angry about the plans by Royal Mail and were fighting the moves.

He said staff were upset about being forced to travel extra distances to work every day and wanted to remain in their own offices.

If Royal Mail refuses to back down, employees are calling for a new set of working conditions to be implemented. Staff want their workloads reviewed in order for the working day not to spill into overtime.

Mr Kelly said: "It depends on the staff's availability, but I hope to hold meetings in both Ellesmere and Church Stretton sometime this week.

"We have told Royal Mail we want some conditions changed if these moves have to take place."

Jaquie Stenson, for Royal Mail, said: "We continue to talk to our people about the changes and each individual has the opportunity to discuss how the change affects them on a one-to-one basis."