Mail chiefs urged to explain post future

Civic leaders will be inviting Royal Mail bosses to a meeting in Wem to explain what is going to happen with the town's postal delivery office.

Members of Wem Town Council have expressed concerns over the future of the facility after Royal Mail confirmed earlier this month that it could be relocated to Shrewsbury and that a feasibility study had been launched.

Councillors say residents fear they could have to travel into Shrewsbury to collect mail, and face delayed deliveries if the office is closed.

At a meeting of the council last night, Councillor Peggy Carson said: "I don't think we can do anything about it because it happened in Ellesmere and there was nothing the people could do there. But it would be a great loss to the town."

Councillor Chris Mellings added: "I think that when Ellesmere went that way it was only a matter of time before another one went. I don't think Royal Mail should be able to get away with it lightly."

Jane Drummond, Wem town council clerk, will write to Royal Mail to invite the company to send someone to the next council meeting to explain the situation.

Jaquie Stenson, spokeswoman for Royal Mail, said today no decisions had been made and it was "business as usual" in Wem.

She said: "We will always consider a request to meet with local representatives."

Pete Kelly, Communication Workers Union area delivery representative, said: "We have received no official proposals to close Wem delivery office.

"However, we are aware that Royal Mail have got plans as part of their savings and cost cuts exercise to look at the possibility of closing that unit and we insist that Royal Mail speak to the union and members concerned."