Strong objections to Post Office closure

STRONG objections have been expressed by the Borough Council about the failure to re-open the Clifton Way Sub Post Office in Hinckley.

Although it was not one of the branches that were originally scheduled for closure in Hinckley & Bosworth, the Post Office has subsequently included it. This has prompted the council to write to the Post Office, requesting that the decision to leave it closed is reversed.

The letter states: "We are particularly concerned that the Clifton Way branch, which had not been in the original plan, has now been put up for potential closure. You will recall the Council Leader (Councillor David Bill) sought reassurance that Clifton Way would be re-opened and we were left with the impression that the branch was only temporarily closed and attempts were being made to find a new Sub Post Master to operate this facility.

"We would therefore be grateful if you would give this matter your serious reconsideration. Please could you advise us of the proposed consultation period and process for this, as the Area Plan document does not give dates for when the six weeks' consultation period starts or finishes. We are aware that a large campaign is already building to ensure that the Post Office commit to retaining the Clifton Way branch."

Councillor Bill has backed the views expressed in the letter and added: "Many years ago residents and councillors campaigned hard for a post office to be established at the heart of the Hollycroft Estate. I find it incredible that the Post Office has now apparently taken advantage of the temporary closure to arbitrarily select the Clifton Way branch for permanent closure. I urge everyone to make their views known."