Angry councillors were today left stunned at the news that a village post office near Stafford is doomed because the postmaster is retiring.
The Derrington sub-post office closure would be in addition to the four others, including nearby Great Bridgeford, in the Stafford area announced by Post Office Ltd earlier this year.
Local councillors have branded the decision as “shocking” and intend to write to the post office expressing their disgust.
Owners of the Derrington Village Stores, which also houses the sub post office, say they are retiring and it would be impossible to sell the business when it is not profitable.
Mrs Lilian Sellwood and her husband Bill, who live at the shop in Mount Pleasant, took over about three-and-a-half years ago and are due to retire on June 5.
“We put a lot of time, effort and money into it when we first came here. The people in the village are really lovely but they shop at Sainsbury or Tescos, you name it.
“They don’t spend their money here, papers and milk are not enough,” said Mrs Sellwood, adding that they plan to carry on living on the premises.
Speaking of the post office closure borough councillor Ray Sutherland said: “This is a real shock.
“The Post Office has stated that they want to keep local services, but this news following on from the announcement that they intend to close Great Bridgeford Post Office is nothing but bad news for local residents.”
County councillor for the area Mark Winnington said: “I am very angry that the Post Office has left the Derrington and Bridgeford area with the very real threat of no local post office and presumably no local shop.
“There are many older people and non-drivers in the area. Are they now expected to jump on a bus every time they need a postage stamp?
“Myself and Ray Sutherland will be writing to the Post Office National Consultation team and voicing our disgust at the way local communities are being left without services.”
In addition to Great Bridgeford the Post Office announced the proposed closures of Marston Road and Wolverhampton Road post offices in Stafford, the office at Stowe-by-Chartley, and Walton Post Office, Filleybrookes, Stone, as part of a nationwide programme to shut branches said to be non-viable.
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7 Comments
why don,t these Angry councillors do something instead of just watching this happen it is because eu regs that are closing these ost offices, this is where this country is run from now and not the houses of idoits
The reason the business isnt surviving is because all the moaners shop in Stafford,and use the store and post office as a last thought!
Its going because they didnt care enough to support the village shop.So what did they expect!
well come on derrington people how do you think they could afford to live if you dont buy from them.you dont support it so loose it. The only thing i would say is they should at least try and sell.
They should try and sell it i agree with that someone may not need to make as much money as them so could keep it open . It is a shame they are the best people who have run that shop always happy and smiling. i wish them all the luck.
I bet Mark and Ray dont do there shopping in the post office the odd bit perhaps. so why complain now. And most people who live in derrington have a car any way thats why we have a crap bus service.
its just the likes of people like me who suffer as we dont drive.
This time it’s the Post Office. Next it will be the Village pub, The Red Lion. Derrington is rapidly turning a tired old lady, like many of her residants.
COME ON DERRINGTON SAVE OUR POST OFFICE. OR SOMEONE WITH LOADS MONEY BUY IT XXXX