BUCKHURST HILL: Business group backs post office decision (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

BUCKHURST HILL: Business group backs post office decision

12:30pm Tuesday 16th September 2008 in News By David Jackman

THE Federation of Small Businesses has praised Essex County Council for stepping in to support the reopening of a Post Office at a convenience store in Buckhurst Hill.

South West Essex branch chairman David Miles said: “Nearly three years ago the FSB raised with Essex County Council our concerns at the Post Office closure programme and asked them to see how they could help and this week sees the first benefit of the very innovative and exciting solution they have introduced.

“The FSB’s Keep Trade Local campaign is highlighting the problems faced by independent retailers in shopping areas such as Buckhurst Hill and closing a Post Office can have a very negative impact not just on the retailer with the Post office franchise but on other local shops too.

"Traders often report a decline in business generally as well as unhappiness at having to turn away customers - both businesses and local residents.

"Post Offices in Essex support literally hundreds of high street traders and in many places they offer the only remaining service for customers who wish to deposit cash.

"Many of these customers have been left wondering why the post office could not continue and now thanks to this Essex County Council scheme they can!

"The FSB congratulates Essex County Council on this first Post Office and looks forward to the programme rolling out across the county and will be encouraging other local authorities to follow Essex’s lead.”