Plea for talks over closure fears at Wem postal depot

Wem councillors discussed the issue at a town council meeting this week – and decided they want to put forward their views about the closure.

Earlier this month it was revealed that the building, in Wem Business Park off New Street, could be closed with its services relocated to Shrewsbury.

But town clerk Penny O'Hagan said the council had decided it would ask for a consultation so councillors could put forward views and be consulted about the issue.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Rosemary Dodd, deputy mayor, said: "We are waiting for a reply from them. Councillor Chris Mellings has written to them and we are waiting for a reply, so I think we are going to send another reminder to them.

"We were told that there would be a consultation."

Bosses at Royal Mail earlier this month said the company is "exploring an option to relocate Wem delivery office to its office in Shrewsbury in spring 2016" – but insisted it would not result in any job losses. There are currently about 10 people based at the Wem office, which serves parts of the SY4 postcode from Wem to areas such as like Hadnall and Upper Battlefield on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.

There are 175 staff members at the Shrewsbury site 10.7 miles away.

Councillor Dodd added: "It is something we are concerned about but there are a lot of things that have to be looked into before any decision is made."

The building has been under scrutiny since 2010 when the mail giant's chiefs first revealed the idea.

Earlier this month in a statement for Royal Mail a spokesman said that no final decision had been made but it was talking to union representatives as well as staff and "seeking feedback".

It added: "We are committed to continuing to provide a first class service to our business and residential customers served by these offices.

"If the move goes ahead, detailed planning will take place to ensure a smooth transition for our operations, our people and the service we provide to our customers."

But councillors and residents raised concerns about the closure, adding that the expanding town should instead have things expanding rather than closing down.

The town already has problems with post after councillors admitted defeat after a long battle to get Shrewsbury removed from postal addresses in Wem.

Royal Mail said it will not consider a request to change or remove the town – despite confusion caused by Shrewsbury being in addresses for the town.