THE relocation of Alton's main post office is expected to draw the crowds to a public meeting at Alton Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, May 30. Local people will have the opportunity to put Post Office chiefs 'on the spot' over a move which many believe is not in the best interests of paying customers. The doors will open at 6.30pm for the 7pm meeting, called by Alton Town Council to discuss the closure of the Post Office, which is to be replaced by a counter service within WH Smith's shop in Westbrooke Walk. The town was shocked a month ago when it was revealed that the Post Office service was to be shifted from its purpose built home in the High Street to share space in the nearby chain store. People have expressed concerns in particular about lack of space and accessibility – the fear is that while Alton is getting bigger Post Office services are diminishing. But Post Office Ltd is adamant – the company is currently losing £4m a week across the network, so "to do nothing is not an option". A spokesman for the Post Office told The Herald: "Clearly the level of loss is unsustainable and we need to deal with it." The move forms part of a partnership deal with WH Smith which, the Post Office believes, should safeguard the future of main Post Office services in towns like Alton. As with all franchise arrangements, WH Smith will manage the day-to-day operations with the full support and guidance of the Post Office to ensure the branch maintains service standards. It will also take over responsibility for employing Post Office staff. Viewed as 'a done deal', Alton Town Council is said to be "incensed" that such a decision should be taken without prior public consultation. Seeking public comment on minor aspects of the scheme is "not good enough" say councillors who have pressed for Post Office chiefs to come to Alton "to explain themselves directly to local residents". ATC leader David Willoughby said: "I am pleased that we have at last been able to pin the Post Office down and get them to agree to send some representatives. The limited official consultation amounts to nothing more than window dressing, as the public has only been invited to comment on such things as opening hours, accessibility and services on offer. "However it is the basic decision itself which astounds Altonians and upon which we seek a properly reasoned response." He added: "In the modern environment we appreciate that businesses need to change, but it appears that Alton is one of several towns earmarked to suffer as a result of unfairly balanced competition resulting from government legislation." Mr Willoughby has demanded that the Post Office makes public the figures which have led to Alton being included in the franchise arrangement. He was adamant: "No one here is persuaded that an office that has in the last few years taken on the work of two closed sub-offices and has a near permanent long queue can be squeezed into WH Smith's. In addition there is no parking outside, and the store is reached via a slope, so it is not very disabled-friendly." He concluded: "I feel sure that the message from Altonians to the Post Office will be a definite, 'please go away and think again'." Alton mayor Robyn Fitzer will open the meeting, which will be chaired by Chris McCallum of the Alton Town Partnership. Following a presentation by Post Office representatives, the public will be able to quiz them on their plans. Questions can be left in advance at the Town Hall or at the Alton Herald offices. The consultation period is due to close on June 14. Write to National Consultation Manager Philippa Wright at Post Office Ltd c/o PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW. The move is expected to take place in late summer.
