Post office reprieve (From Echo)

Post office reprieve

12:40am Wednesday 20th August 2008 in News By Geoff Percival

THE CHAMPAGNE was flowing in Sutton Road, Southend, with news the area’s post office will stay open.

Sutton Road was among 2,500 post offices around the country earmarked to go in the latest round of Government closures. But after a campaign, including petition with over 1,000 signatures, and the support of Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge, the branch has been saved.

Delighted sub postmaster Charlie Bhogal said: “I want to thank all my customers, the young and the old, who have been so supportive, as well as James Duddridge and the local councillors.

“I am not getting any younger myself and it would be hard to start a new career. Everyone has been fantastic because we give a good service for the elderly people who can’t easily get into the town centre.

“The young parents with children who can also find it difficult also welcome the service we give. It is really fantastic news.”

John Bell, 82, who lives in Sutton Road, said the branch was a focal point of the community.

Mr Bell, who is retired from the Merchant Navy, said: “I have lived in Sutton Road for many years and the fact we have a post office and other small shops means it is like a little village community.

“If I need anything it is there on my doorstep, and I don’t have to worry about going into town. The post office is a focal point of the area and somewhere people meet.

“They are all friendly there and always keen to help you. We are lucky because people around our area still say ‘good morning’ to you and if the post office went I think we would lose a lot of that.”

Mr Duddridge said he was delighted with the decision and was sure local residents would also be pleased because of their concerns over the issue.

He added: “Although this is a time of celebration, we must not be complacent and I will continue to monitor the situation closely. Obviously it’s deeply disappointing to see branches closing elsewhere.”

The post office at Argosy Toys in London Road is still to close, but sub post master Rod Wohl, 62, was philiosophical about the closure.

He said: “It was expected in some ways and the post office area will just be absorbed back into the shop as it was originally.

“The shop is owned by my son and I expect he’ll find a space for me to do something in a corner. It is such a shame for the people who have used the post office over all these years.”