Calls for Leamington Post Office to return to its former home

POST Office bosses have been told to step up delivery in Leamington.

Residents are increasingly angry at the on-going closure of the Bath Street branch. Based at the back of the now empty former Spar store, it shut last July after water came through the roof creating an electrical hazard. It briefly reopened but closed again following further flooding.

Those who use the branch services now have to travel more than a mile to other branches in Clarendon Street, Sydenham or Whitnash.

Fed-up residents have launched a petition demanding the Post Office is reopened at its previous site in nearby Victoria Terrace – where it was based from 1870 until moving to the Spar store in 2014. More than 700 people signed the petition in five days.

And Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western is calling for an immediate solution with the opening of a temporary branch in Old Town.

Mr Western said: “I urge the Post Office to set out its proposed reopening date and in the meantime open a temporary branch in Old Town. It is not right those who rely on their services have to get to Clarendon Street which is some 20-minute walk – this is simply inaccessible for many.

“Residents have been vocal to have the store permanently relocated to the old site, which I think is a sensible solution if this store continues to close intermittently.

“The Post Office provision since privatisation has visibly got poorer for our community. There used to be many branches all around the constituency, and it is a real shame to see them go.”

Isabelle Hero, who launched the petition, is urging Post Office bosses to move the branch back to its original home.

She said: “The service was moved from the traditional, historic Post Office just over the bridge at the bottom of the Parade. There were promises assuring us all services would be maintained.

“Leamington’s main Post Office in Bath Street is now closed and the tiny branch in Clarendon Street has regular long queues with very long waits extending into the street. It is also difficult to access for elderly people living in south Leamington.

“We want Royal Mail to reinstate the main Leamington Post Office in the old building by Victoria Bridge. The services are essential to the people of this town.”

A Post Office spokeswoman apologised for the closure.

She said: “Plans are being finalised to undertake further roof repairs to prevent further flooding as the branch. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the branch.

“Leamington Post Office is currently operated by a temporary postmaster. We already have two interested retailers who have applied to operate Leamington Post Office on a permanent basis. We will be considering both applications and will then announce our proposal.”

Visit change.org and search ‘Leamington Post Office’ to sign the petition.