By Isle of Wight Observer
People power has kept the doors to Totland Bay Post Office open after the Royal Mail agreed to continue to collect mail from the branch.
The news was confirmed this morning by Island Community Ventures (ICV) the trading arm of Community Action IW, after a deal was struck with Totland Parish Council to increase its support for the local service and share the additional costs.
A petition signed by 375 people who wanted the post office to remain open demonstrated local support for the service, which is run as a not-for-profit venture.
Locals were unhappy at the news it was to close after Royal Mail said it would stop collecting mail from the post office, despite regularly collecting main from a postbox just across the road. CEO of Community Action, Michael Bulpitt said whilst technically it was within its rights it made the decision very frustrating in the view of the local community.
Collections will now be made between 12pm and 12.30pm Monday to Friday so any post or parcels needing to be sent need to be deposited at the Totland branch before midday.
