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People power has saved the Post Office in Totland Bay, which was due to close next week.
It was claimed the Post Office was losing £7,000 a year and Totland Parish Council, after consultation with local residents, agreed to this funding in its precept which was raised by 60 per cent.
However, parish councillors were then told there had been a ‘recalculation’ and, in fact, it is losing £15,000, which the council could not afford to fund. But, on Wednesday, Totland Parish Council announced: “The additional costs incurred will be shared between Island Community Ventures Ltd and Totland Parish Council, which has agreed to continue and increase its support for this key local service.”
Postmistress, Lisa Toyne, added: “We’re very relieved; common sense has prevailed.
“Around 375 people signed our petition and this is good news for all our customers.
“Thank you to you all for your support and campaigning. Approx’ 375 signed the petition. Others contacted local media, Bob Seely MP, Royal Mail and the Post Office.
“It was all much appreciated. The messages of support to me personally were also greatly appreciated. I look forward to serving you all and having our chats in the months to come.”
Community Action IW has run four not-for-profit Post Offices since 2011. As well as the one in Totland Bay, it is responsible for outreach post office branches in Godshill, Brading and Wootton.
Chief Executive, Michael Bulpitt, said: “We are happy to confirm that agreement has been reached with Royal Mail to continue to pick up from Totland Post Office, which means that the service delivered through its trading arm, Island Community Ventures Ltd, will now be able to continue.”
Collections will be made between noon and 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, so any post/parcels needing to be sent would have to be at the Totland branch before 12.30pm.
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