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A Post Office has been forced to permanently close due to abusive behaviour against staff and surging energy costs. A spokesman for the branch in Charing, near Ashford, said it is not “long financially viable” after the Royal Mail strikes.
The village post office had been run by Sarah Crawley, a former parish councillor, for six years. She informed her customers about the closure by posting a notice in the front window.
It reads: “It is with deep sadness that Charing Post Office is now closed and will not reopen. For some time, the post office has not been financially viable. The Royal Mail strikes have decimated income at the busiest time of year.
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“The electricity bill has become unmanageable and will increase further in the New Year. I have subsidised the Post Office for some time and cannot afford to do so any longer. The building which houses the post office is owned by the old Sub Postmaster, he has subsidised the business too. The situation cannot continue”.
Mrs Crawley said she spent much of last year engaging with Post Office Ltd, trying to find an alternative for the site to avoid a “sudden closure” and “loss of service”. However, she claims she could not find a “viable alternative”.
‘Constant threats’
The former parish councillor was worried about the safety of her team who faced “constant threats”. The post reads: “Unfortunately, the last month has seen an excessive amount of abusive behaviour, due to situations out of our control such as the Royal Mail strikes and when faced with constant threats and abuse, I have made the difficult decision that I cannot continue.
“I am not prepared to put my team in the line of this kind of behaviour. Therefore, the branch is now closed and it will be up to Post Office Ltd to provide a service that they are legally required to do.”
Members of the Communications Workers Union had been striking throughout December, causing delays in the delivery of parcels and letters at the busiest time of the year for the service.
The notice continues: “Over the last six years I have given everything I possibly could to keep this post office open. I value all the support given to me and my staff over time, most of all I will cherish all the memories made and the friendships created during that time.
“I was to thank Susan and Jennie for everything they have put into this post office over the previous years and ask that you respect that none of this was their fault or decision.”
‘Such a vital part of our communities’
The post office had temporarily been closed in 2016 while run by sub-postmaster Jonathon Brenton. This was due to dispute over pay and security at the store.
Protests were held and backed by Comedian Vic Reeves and his wife Nancy Sorrell. The shop reopened shortly after.
Residents have shared their sadness over the news. Bernadette Fulker said on Facebook: “How sad. These post offices are such a vital part of our communities but no one should tolerate abuse.”
Pam Galligan added: “Extremely sorry to hear the news. We do need a Post Office locally, we need help to do so.”
Griselda Cann Mussett added: “Quite conceivable the whole of Royal Mail will be gone by this time next year.”
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