Closure programme ‘bonkers’
June 5, 2008
Hot of the press, the North Devon Journal reports:
Two years ago public funding was allocated to refurbish Buckland Brewer Post Office.Two weeks ago it was identified for possible replacement by an “outreach” arrangement which would cut the hours of the service by a third.
The proposal has been fiercely criticised by a number of agencies including Devon Renaissance.
In a letter to Post Office Ltd, Simon Mallett, senior project officer, said: “Devon Renaissance granted £27,736 of public funding to refurbish the site at Buckland Brewer in order that a post office and community shop be established to serve the needs of this isolated and access deprived community.
“Without the post office, the community shop is not viable. There are no other shops remaining in the village.
“We therefore urge that the decision to close this new and vital service be reviewed and are happy to contribute to any such process.”
[...]
Torridge councillor Adam Symons, who chaired [Tuesday's] meeting, said: “It is a ridiculous situation that two years ago, public money was invested to open up this post office, and now public money is being spent to shut it down again.
“I think people will rightly look for answers as to why such a thriving shop and post office are going to be shut down.
“The nearest replacement post office is over four miles away at Abbotsham.
“The more you look at this closure programme, the more bonkers it seems.”
Cllr Symons said he would be working with postmaster Keith Horwell to put together a robust submission to challenge the closure proposal.
