By Isle of Wight Observer
Following the closure of Shalfleet Post Office earlier this year, MP Bob Seely has taken further action to push for the branch to reopen.
In February Bob started a campaign to save the branch from long-term closure calling on anyone interested in running the service to come forward. However, since then the Shalfleet service has remained closed leaving some residents feeling isolated.
This month, in a letter to Alice Cookson, Head of Public Affairs at the Post Office Ltd, Mr Seely has asked for the Post Office to take steps to see the Shalfleet branch reinstated.
He said: “As well as being community assets, post offices are designated essential services. I am calling for the post office to be reinstated to provide the vital banking, over the counter, and Royal Mail services residents need.
“It is important villagers have access to these services, given the barriers many are facing at the moment and the closure of local bank branches.
“I want to ensure that rural communities and elderly residents on the Island have all the services and support they need at this time.”
Stuart Hutchinson, Deputy Leader of IWC and Ward Councillor for West Wight said: “I absolutely support Bob’s request to the Post Office to keep this much needed rural service going. It is a real lifeline for our small villages, whose residents are often elderly and rely on a local facility.”
Bob and Stuart paid tribute to the work done by the late Sue Pritchett.
Stuart said: “Sue Pritchett, our previous postmistress, did a fantastic job and was a real pillar of the community. We have a great community spirit here and will welcome with open arms anyone who will take on this essential job”.
Bob said anyone interested in running the post office should get in touch with his office or with the Post Office directly.
Isle of Wight Observer