Stamp of approval for Pontesbury post office move
People power has won the day after Post Office bosses performed a U-turn and agreed to move a rural post office to a different site – after vetoing it last year.
Petitions were signed and public meetings held after the Post Office announced it would not move the important service from its Main Road, Pontesbury base.
The fate of the Post Office, which has been run by local postmaster Brian Simmonds, seemed uncertain after he announced his wish to retire.
Following a local public consultation exercise at the end of last year, an initial decision was taken not to go ahead with the move from Main Road to Connections Ltd.
As a result of disappointment expressed both from local residents and Pontesbury Parish Council, Shrewsbury MP Mr Daniel Kawczynski approached Post Office Ltd to ask if it would reconsider.
In light of additional information on alternative pedestrian routes and car parking near the new site, the Post Office decided to carry out a further public consultation.
As a result of comments received during that exercise, the decision has now been made to go ahead with the move.
Mr Kawczynski said: "There is a real strength of feeling in Pontesbury that Connections Ltd would be a prime location for a new modernised Post Office. During the second consultation period I understand that two petitions were submitted in support of the move which had been signed by over 900 people.
"This is a good example of my constituents working together in the interest of their local community."
Mr Simmonds said: "I am delighted and can now enjoy my retirement in peace. This was the only logical option on the table. It is just a shame it has taken so long to come to this conclusion. But I am delighted it has gone ahead, it will secure jobs in the village."
Richard Lynds, senior stakeholder manager from Post Office Ltd, said: "This was a unique and unusual case in that additional information came to light after we had made our initial decision. We considered that the information was critical to the proposal and as such decided to carry out a further period of consultation. Post Office Ltd now considers that the move to new premises will provide our customers in Pontesbury with a new and improved facility."
The move is expected to take place in July.
