Campaigns launched over Essex delivery offices (From Echo)

Campaigns launched to save delivery offices in Shoebury, Leigh, Canewdon, Great Wakering and Rochford

1:00pm Friday 26th October 2012 in Local News By Emma Thomas

CAMPAIGNS have been launched to save Royal Mail delivery offices under the threat of closure.

Petitions to save the Shoebury and Leigh sites have been set up online and shops in the area have also been given paper petitions which have attracted hundreds of signatures already.

The cost-cutting changes mean the five branches will be relocated to Southend’s Short Street office.

Rochford District councillors Terry Cutmore, Keith Hudson and Heather Glynn put forward a motion to full council calling on the company to reconsider the proposals to close Canewdon, Great Wakering and Rochford.

The trio said they were concerned for elderly residents and businesses as well as the inconvenience it would cause for people.

Mrs Glynn urged residents to write to the Royal Mail themselves as well as to parish councils.

She added: “They will have to go to Short Street, Southend, and it is nowhere near a bus route. People running businesses out in our countryside that want their stuff have got a long drive to get in.”

Ward councillors Tony Cox and Roger Hadley are heading up the Shoebury petition and Mark Flewitt is spearheading the one in Leigh.

Royal Mail’s Delivery Director for the Southend area, Steve Molloy, insisted no decisions have been made.

He said: “We are still scoping these relocations and expect to be able to share more information shortly. Such changes are, however, vital to put Royal Mail on a sound, secure and sustainable footing for the future.

“Our service to customers will continue to be a top priority during any changes, if they go ahead. Customers can be reassured that we would do all we can to minimise disruption to customers and ensure we maintain the high level of service they expect and deserve from Royal Mail.”