Wokingham’s Post Office closes – but parcel collections remain on site

WOKINGHAM’S Crown Post Office closed its doors for good last Wednesday – and residents looking to pick up a parcel must once again use the side entrance.

This is, Royal Mail said, a temporary measure while they carry out renovations to the historic building.

And, recalling the incident in 2012 when a customer was hit by a van while collecting her mail, access to the site has been limited to vehicles so that pedestrians can pick up their post in peace.

Customers looking to use Post Office services, such as posting a letter or buying stamps, now have to use a kiosk that has opened at the back of the Market Place branch of WHSmith.

The new service comes despite fierce opposition to the Broad Street closure: more than 6,000 residents signed a petition against the plan, while Sir John Redwood met with Government ministers in a bid to make Post Office bosses see sense.

But it was all to no avail.

The new kiosk is now operated by WHSmith – who advertised for staff while a consultation into the closure took place.

Post Office bosses said that the new kiosk will be open for longer and would help the Post Office to be commercially viable in the future.

Roger Gale, the Post Office’s network and sales director, said it would protect Post Office services.

He said: “The Post Office is committed to keeping our services at the heart of communities which we know is hugely important to people. This change means we can continue to do that, into the future. We are making sure we take the right action to sustain services for years to come.”

And a Royal Mail spokesperson said of the current arrangements for collecting parcels and undelivered post: “We are currently carrying out building works to the front counters at Wokingham Delivery Office as we look to relocate customer collections there.

“While this work is being carried out, customers can collect their items from the customer collection point at the side of the building.

“Posters on the front door give clear directions on how to reach it, as well as opening times.

“The route to the customer collection point has been temporarily closed to traffic for the safety and convenience of our customers.”

The kiosk in WHSmith is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

What do you think of the new arrangements? Send your comments to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk or reply below