Post Office is staying put
A PLAN to relocate Bridgend’s Crown Post Office into the basement of WH Smith has been scrapped.
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to relocate Bridgend’s Crown Post Office has been scrapped.
Bosses have backed down on the proposed move from Dunraven Place into the basement of the town’s WHSmith store following a six-week public consultation.
Many people had expressed fears that without the draw of the Post Office footfall would have plummeted in the bottom part of the town centre, just as plans are underway to partially reverse pedestrianisation in a bid to boost shopper numbers.
There were also concerns that moving the branch into the basement of the Rhiw Shopping Centre retail outlet could make it much less visible, leading to a drop in use and also make it harder for people with mobility issues to reach, despite the provision of a lift.
Beth Daniel, chairwoman of the Bridgend Traders’ Forum, hailed the announcement as a victory for common sense.
She said: “We are delighted that common sense has prevailed and the Post Office will not be moving to such an inac- cessible position, especially at a time when we, the traders, are trying to make the town centre more accessible and convenient by improving access along Queen Street, Dunraven Place and Market Street.
“Indeed, if the proposed relaxation of pedestrianisation goes ahead as hoped, the existing site for the Post Office will be ideal as it has six convenient parking spaces right outside on Market Street.”
Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones urged customers to keep using the Dunraven Place branch.
He said: “The Post Office has clearly listened to the concerns of its customers. It is hugely important for people to continue to use the Post Office as I do to ensure its continued viability otherwise we will face this situation again.
“It is important that more is done to regenerate that part of town.”
Post Office sales and trade marketing director Roger Gale said that feedback given during the consultation, alongside other relevant factors, had been carefully considered in making the decision.
“Our priority has always been to ensure that our Bridgend customers continue to have good access to Post Office services and, after very detailed assessment, we believe that this is best achieved through remaining at our current site for the foreseeable future.”
The proposal to relocate the branch was part of wider Post Office modernisation plans.
Welsh Conservative Regional AM Suzy Davies said: “I welcome this decision from the Post Office.
“Hopefully, work on the traffic restrictions in this part of the town centre will begin soon, helping to bring new life to the area.
“Moving the Post Office when depedestrianisation is about to make it more accessible never made sense. However, I do note there is no long term commitment to keeping the office at Dunraven Place.”
The Communication Workers Union assistant secretary Andy Furey said: “We are delighted that the Post Office has seen sense and has decided not to relocate the historic and much-revered Bridgend Crown Post Office.”