STH WOODFORD: Businesses 'devastated' by post office closure (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

STH WOODFORD: Businesses 'devastated' by post office closure

2:50pm Thursday 18th September 2008 in News By Daniel Binns

SHOPKEEPERS have demanded that Redbridge Council help reopen South Woodford Post Office in the wake of its “devastating” closure last month.

Businesses along the High Road claim they have seen a dramatic reduction in trade since it shut down as part of the Royal Mail’s nationwide closure programme.

Now traders want the council to follow the example of Essex County Council, who last week managed to assist an “axed” branch in Buckhurst Hill reopen as a result of their own rescue package and months of negotiations with the Royal Mail.

Imran Jan, of Churchfield Pharmacy, said: “Not only have the residents suffered greatly, but nearly all the businesses along our particular parade of shops have been affected.

“The number of people coming through the door has fallen dramatically. They used to go to the post office and then come in here but everyone’s obviously going down George Lane now instead.

“I don’t see a reason why Redbridge Council can’t reopen it like they did in Essex, they’ve got the money to do it.

“Some businesses along here are even considering closing down they’ve lost so much trade.”

Wendy Elmes, owner of the nearby Mezzo Cafe, said: “It’s had a drastic effect. It’s like another nail in the coffin.

“We’re being affected anyway by competition from all the new developments around here, so it just makes it worse.”

South Woodford post office campaigner Frank Cruder said the closure had hit the area hard.

Mr Cruder, of Chelmsford Road, said: “Businesses have suffered and I know there are a lot of people who are elderly or have mobility issues who can’t easily walk down to George Lane or queue for half an hour who have found it hard.”

A council spokesman said there were no plans to follow the example of Essex County Council.

He added: “Redbridge Council is considering a number of possible measures to reduce the impact of Post Office Ltd's closure of five post offices locally.

“We welcome the news of the reopening of the Buckhurst Hill branch as we would any post office in London and the south east, but we remain cautious about the prospect of any post offices reopening in the borough at present.”