Post office closure would be ‘a nail in the coffin’ for village
UNCERTAINTY OVER FUTURE OF BRANCH AFTER RESIGNATION OF POSTMASTER
VILLAGERS have spoken of their disappointment over plans to close their local post office.
Residents of Awsworth have criticised reports that the post office in The Lane is to shut, with the nearest services being up to two miles away.
While there has been some confusion over the future of the post office, it has been confirmed that it will close on May 22.
A replacement is being looked at by the Post Office, but until that time, residents will have to go elsewhere for postal services.
Susan Brown, 64 an occupational therapist for Nottingham City Council adult social care, said: “I live in Awsworth and totally support any action to prevent the village post office from closing.
“There are a great many residents who rely on it in the village.
“Many people bank there in addition to sending parcels, recorded deliveries, foreign currency. There are many elderly residents as well as parents with young families in the village and a post office is a necessity.
“I myself would be able to access other post offices as I drive. But I am not far off retirement and would like to think the it will be there if I no longer drive.
“The population of the village is expanding all the time and surely this is not the right time to lose this essential facility?”
Merchant Navy officer Graeme Hatley, 54 said: “There seems to me no rhyme nor reason to this well loved and very busy post office closing. I have tried contacting the Post Office over this but had no response.
“I even wrote on the Post Office’s Facebook page, quoting their own words, ‘at the heart of communities for 370 years,’ asking why they were putting a nail in the coffin of our community? But had my post removed almost instantly. Awsworth is an expanding village. We need our post office.”
Lisa Carr said: “As a disabled person, this is the last thing I needed. This post office is the easiest to get to I don’t have to take my car and find parking or cross busy roads like in Kimberley or Ilkeston.
“I can go up on my mobility scooter, and to be able to use its banking services was essential since my bank closed in Ilkeston and my other nearest bank closed in Long Eaton. I’m disappointed to say the least.”
In a statement, Graham Spencer, chairman of Awsworth Parish Council, said: “Awsworth Parish Council was extremely concerned to learn recently that the village post office is soon to close, with no replacement yet in place or agreed.
“The council fully shares the serious concerns already expressed by local residents, that this is a vital community facility, especially for the more elderly and those who are less mobile.
“When the old post office on Main Street closed some years ago the council were relieved that it relocated to the Nisa store on The Lane, an arrangement that has benefited both the shop and post office.
“The parish council will do all they can to see this invaluable local service retained or replaced and have asked Post Office Counters to explain why this situation has come about and what can be done to ensure Awsworth does not lose its post office.”
A Post Office spokesperson said: “The postmaster for Awsworth has resigned due to selling his business. The new owner will not be providing a post office and the branch is due to close on May 22. The vacancy will soon be advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk and we are looking to see how Post Office services can be provided to the area.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Alternative branches in the area include Kimberley, Giltbrook, Cotmanhay and Bath Street.”