Wem councillors angry over mail chiefs' consultation 'U-turn'
A decision not to hold a consultation into the possible closure of a Wem's postal delivery office has angered councillors.
Wem Town Council members say they will write to Royal Mail in the new year as they fear for the future of the branch.
Last month it was revealed that the building, in Wem Business Park off New Street, could be closed, with its services relocated to Shrewsbury.
Councillor John Murray, mayor of Wem, said he is "very disappointed" with the news.
He added: "We had a meeting with Royal Mail back in May/June time and they said they were going to hold a public consultation before any decision was made.
"It seems now they have turned their backs on that. We are very disappointed and annoyed about the decision.
"We are now going to write to Royal Mail to say we disagree with their decision and hope they rethink it.
"We are dissatisfied. We just hope they will look after the staff working there and nobody will lose their jobs. I am concerned about redirecting the mail and parcels to the post office as I have seen in other places that this does not work. It clogs up the post office. It will be a big inconvenience."
Earlier this month bosses at Royal Mail 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.
Val Bodden, spokesman for Royal Mail, said: "Royal Mail continues to explore an option to relocate Wem delivery office to its office in Shrewsbury in Spring 2016.
"This is part of Royal Mail's ongoing transformation of its business and its work to increase the efficiency of its operations.
"We continue to talk to our union and our people about this potential move and seek their feedback.
"No final decision has been made yet.
"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.
If this move goes ahead, there will be no job losses."
