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The council has confirmed its opposition to the
proposed Post Office closures in North
Somerset.
Deputy leader Cllr Elfan Ap Rees has written to Post Office Ltd
requesting a meeting with a representative of the Post Office or
Postwatch to explain why the eight branches proposed for closure
have been selected.
Cllr Ap Rees has questioned Post Office Ltd on whether they have
taken into account the council's regeneration and development
plans.
He has asked how they propose to meet future demand for Post
Office services in relation to the planned development across the
district, particularly the proposals for the continuing growth at
Weston-super-Mare.
He has also questioned the branch access report which places
several of the Weston branches proposed for closure on a par with
other Post Offices which are to be retained.
The deputy leader has also highlighted that a number of the
branches under threat operate within areas that fall within the top
1, 3, 5 and 10% most disadvantaged urban areas in the country.
He has reminded Post Office Ltd that provision in these areas is
meant to be a minimum access requirement.
"At the present time we are not looking to adopt the Essex model
as there would be a lack of compatibility with our own outreach
services, resulting in considerable cost," said Cllr Ap Rees.
"We understand the Essex approach is still not confirmed and, at
present, is suggested as an option being more fully costed before
the county council confirms its extent of
intervention." |