Post offices could become ‘unviable’ if Leicestershire sorting offices close, warns councillor

Several Leicestershire post offices could lose nearly half their profits if Royal Mail proceeds with controversial plans to remove their sorting offices, a county councillor has warned. The proposed changes in Groby and Ratby would see mail sorting operations moved to Meridian at Fosse Park.

Under the new proposals, mail would need to be transported to Fosse Park for sorting before being driven back to the likes of Groby and Ratby for delivery. Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, county councillor for the two villages, told LeicestershireLive that local post offices could lose up to 45 per cent of their profits if the plans go ahead.

The councillor warned that elderly and vulnerable residents who collect their pensions would be particularly affected by any closures. Coun O’Shea said many elderly customers prefer to collect their pensions in person rather than have them paid directly into bank accounts.

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A Ratby postmaster, who recently purchased the franchise, stands to lose 40 per cent of his business immediately if the changes are implemented, said Coun O’Shea. He said the sorting office closures would remove a significant rental income that Royal Mail currently pays to use the premises.

Coun O’Shea said: “It’s devastating because those sorting offices are a major part of their business. Post offices are a vital part of the community hub. They really are essential to the local community.”

The councillor has secured cross-party support for a motion at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council calling on Royal Mail’s chief executive to rescind the decision.

When approached for comment on the plans and impact on postmasters, a Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Relocating to a larger, dedicated delivery office will provide better facilities for our posties and help us provide a better service. Deliveries will continue as normal for local residents, with any items that cannot be delivered on the first attempt scheduled for automatic redelivery the next working day.”

They added: “Over 99 per cent of parcels are successfully delivered to customers on the first or second delivery attempt. Customers can also choose to have their items delivered to their local Post Office for collection.”

A petition against the closures has been launched across multiple locations. Residents can sign it at post offices, libraries, Wilson’s newsagents and Co-op stores.

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