Saviour on horizon for town post office (From Gazette Series)

Saviour on horizon for town post office

A SAVIOUR could be on the horizon for the post office in Wotton-under-Edge.

Nick Wadey, from Harvest Store, the popular greengrocer's, is investigating the possibilities of running it.

He said: "It would be a disaster for Wotton to lose its post office, vital life-blood for the community. I'm not looking to make any money out of this venture. I just want to keep the service going."

Tesco had been due to wind up the post office business on January 12 but the closure has been postponed for a second time to allow for new premises to start operating.

This week a representative from the Post Office inspected premises further down Long Street, the former Hales butcher's shop, to assess its suitability. Mr Wadey intends to develop this building as the new post office. Its current owners are considering letting the shop to the new project, but a practical rate of rent has yet to be agreed.

One of the main stumbling blocks is financial.

The Post Office usually charges a fee of £15,000 for moving its business but Mr Wadey is hoping this can be waived in view of the move not being voluntary and being made for the benefit of the community.

Tesco has pledged £10,000 towards a refit of premises and Mr Wadey hopes Wotton Town Council will also contribute towards expenses covering roofing security and a standard counter.

Sub-postmaster from Stonehouse Mike James, formerly involved in running Wotton's post office, is advising Mr Wadey. Mr James will help set up new premises and it is hoped the post office will be run by current staff.

Mr Wadey admitted: "There are so many areas to consider and I'm trying to keep all the balls in the air. It's very complicated but I feel strongly the town needs its post office.

"Obviously, we need to cover the staff salaries and so break even and, if we make an excess, there are lots of good uses I can think of: this is for the people of Wotton."

A spokesman for Tesco told the Gazette: "I can confirm that a second party has come forward for having the post office in their premises. As time went by there were some concerns from people that either the post office wouldn't get relocated or there would be a gap when the town was without a post office. We have made the decision to delay the conversion until the application has been sorted out. I cannot confirm a date but things are looking very positive." Jane Thomas, from the Post Office, said: "We have had some interest from people in running the post office and we are committed to keeping this rural branch open."

BLOB Following a report in the Gazette last week that Berkeley Post Office was "under review" for closure by Tesco, it has now been confirmed that there are no plans to close the post office at present.