8:19am Friday 27th June 2008
By Neil Speight
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a post office serving more than 10,000 people and three care homes.
The post office inside the Clock Newsagent's, in Hathaway Road, Grays, is one of 2,500 facing closure to save money.
But MP Andrew Mackinlay and councillors are not giving up. They have organised a campaign and petition to save the sub-post office.
Borough councillor Yash Gupta said: "The Hathaway Road Post Office is a great facility for the three care homes - Attle Court, Dexter Close and Airey Neave Court - on its doorstep.
"It is within walking distance for older people and mothers with young babies.
"Travelling to other branches will cause a lot of grief and inconvenience, as local transport is not very reliable."
Shop owner Sagdev Singh Bal and his supporters have until July 28 to respond to the closure plan.
Regular customer Eileen English, 82, of Dexter Close, said: "I would find it extremely difficult to get to Grays, or any other post office. The bus links to Grays from here are poor - and crossing the old A13 is a real problem for me."
Last year, a sub-post office in Bridge Road, Grays was closed in the face of a similar protest campaign by residents, led by Labour councillor Cathy Kent.
However, she urged customers not to give up, explaining: "We have learned lessons after the Bridge Road enterprise.
"Not only does the shop serve the local care homes, it also serves the people at Grays School, who use it regularly.
"We will do our best to have the decision overturned."
Mr Mackinlay said he was angry at the closure proposal.
He explained: "It is an important focal point for local people, particularly the elderly, many of whom live in the nearby sheltered housing complexes.
"The nearest alternative will be out of reach for many of them."
He urged supporters to write to his constituency office - at 10 Commonwealth House, Montreal Road, Tilbury, RM18 7QX - so he could pass on their views.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk