arborfield-garrison-rag.org.

uk
Date Issued: Tuesday 22nd October 2013

GARRISON POST OFFICE CLOSURE CAUSING HARDSHIP FOR PENSIONERS

The sudden and permanent closure of the Arborfield Garrison Post Office is causing

hardship for local pensioners and the more vulnerable members of the community claims a local residents action group. Gill Purchase, spokeswomen for the Arborfield Garrison Residents Action Group (AG RAG) says despite being re-assured by both the Post Office and MOD contractors (Compass ESS) the closure was a temporary measure, it has now been confirmed it has shut its doors for good! She continues. The reason given was that it was felt there was an unacceptable rise in crime and they had no choice but to close. However, other Post Offices in the area have had a similar spat of minor crime and they remain open. If they can battle on, why couldnt the Garrison facility? We are aware the lack of a local Post Office is causing genuine hardship to OAPs who are struggling to travel to one each week to draw their pension. We also know its causing a huge amount of inconvenience to other residents who have to travel almost 10 miles to collect undelivered mail - as the nearest Post Offices in Barkham and Finchampstead are outside our post-code delivery area. Ms Purchase adds. We are furious with the MOD and their lack of concern over the impact this is having on the most vulnerable members of our community. The Group has now written to the Minister responsible for Community Affairs (Jo Swinton) asking for an explanation on why the six-week statutory obligation to consult the public on the intended closure was ignored. It would have highlighted how much both civilian and Army families need a local Post Office not one that is over three miles away.