Fury as Post Office is axed

Rugeley's Pear Tree post office is to close, it was announced today, despite fierce opposition from its customers.

The branch will shut some time after October 21, sparking fears over the future of Martin McColl, in which it is based – the only convenience store in Hagley ward.

Sub-postmistress Jill Probert was informed of the decision by letter this morning and feels the Post Office only pays lip service to local opinion.

She said: "I'm very disappointed but it was always on the cards. I think these decisions are made before they go out to consultation.

"Customers have been fantastic in their support and I'm sure there will be a backlash from them.

"It will hit the community and the store. It will carry on trading, but if people have to go to town to use the post office, they are likely to do their shopping there too."

Councillor Tony Williams, ward member for Hagley, is outraged by the announcement and will be looking into the possibility of appealing against it.

He said: "I am absolutely disgusted. The Post Office has failed to apply the criteria of only closing a branch if there is an alternative less than one mile away.

"While Pear Tree is 0.8 miles from the town centre branch, the majority of people who use it live more than a mile away. It makes a complete and utter mockery of the Government's sustainable communities plan.

"Not only is the ward's post office being taken away but its only convenience store is being put in jeopardy."

Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd's network development manager for Shropshire and Staffordshire, said: "Post Office Ltd has to make decisions to close branches in order to put the network on a more stable footing for the future."