CONCERNS over the perceived 'attack' on Alton's last remaining town post office, and the proposed reduction in its size, have led to calls for a public meeting to debate the issue. As reported in last week's Alton Herald the Post Office is on the move and from August the service will relocate from its current site in the High Street to the WH Smith store in Westbrook Walk. The news has caused uproar in the local community with concerns raised about lack of space and accessibility. With many claiming that while Alton is getting expanding both commercially and residentially, its Post Office services are diminishing. Having debated the issue at last Wednesday's policy and resources committee meeting, Alton Town Council has called a public meeting on Wednesday, May 30, starting 7pm at Alton Assembly Rooms which is to be attended by two representatives of Post Office Ltd. The company has already explained that it is currently losing £4m a week across the network, and that "to do nothing is not an option". The move forms part of a partnership deal with WH Smith which, according to Post Office Limited managing director, Alan Cook: "Should put the Crown office network on a sound footing, after many years of heavy losses". It is a move which should guarantee the future of main Post Office services in towns like Alton. While the franchise deal is a commercial decision which is not up for debate Post Office Ltd is carrying out a public consultation process into the proposed opening hours of the new branch, access arrangements and planned facilities. Despite extended opening hours from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and a pledge by WH Smith to provide all services currently available at Alton, concerns have been raised in several quarters over access, especially for the elderly, and the floor space available for what is to be a "shop within a shop". While there are some services still available in the surrounding villages – the nearest being at Holybourne, rural post offices remain under constant threat. The closure of the Four Marks post office, has put added pressure on to Alton where, on a busy day, customers can be seen queuing out of the door . Alton Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is conducting its own survey into the situation. It has already contributed to a national survey on the demise of the Post Office service which has concluded that the network plays a number of "incredibly important roles" for CAB clients, many of whom are among the most vulnerable members of society. The bureau has found this particularly true of those living in rural or urban deprived areas where alternatives, such as basic financial services, may be limited or non-existent. One of the key points made was the importance of a convenient location and of the PO's role as a community facility. The survey will look at frequency of use, services used, speed of service and access to the existing PO and any perceived problems for access to the WH Smith premises. Forms are available now from the bureau office in Cross and Pillory Lane or from the Alton Herald office in the Market Square. This deadline for completed surveys is Friday, May 18. Alton Town Council is inviting questions from members of the public, to be put to Post Office Ltd for a response at the public meeting on May 30th. l The Post Office Ltd consultation period closes on June 14 - write to national consultation manager Philippa Wright at Post Office Ltd c/o PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW.
