STH WOODFORD: Glimmer of hope for closed post office (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

STH WOODFORD: Glimmer of hope for closed post office

3:39pm Thursday 4th December 2008 in News By Daniel Binns

THE rollercoaster-like fate of South Woodford Post Office took another twist this week, when councillors agreed that they WOULD consider the possibility of re-opening the closed branch.

Last week fresh plans were announced by the authority to help the borough’s remaining offices, but at the time officials ruled out doing anything to help branches that had already been closed in Redbridge.

But at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, councillors said they would re-think the proposed plans and agreed to investigate the possibility of helping to raise the shutters on the High Street branch once more.

It comes after a passionate campaign by residents in which over 1,400 people signed a petition demanding the authority follow the example of Essex County Council, who managed to step-in and help re-open a branch in Buckhurst Hill that had previously been closed.

Chelmsford and Derby Road Neighbourhood Watch Chairman and Post Office campaigner Frank Cruder said: "I feel really positive about this as it looks as if the council are listening to what the community actually want.

"The council are quick enough to give planning permission for 1,000 new residential homes in South Woodford but do not provide any of the infrastructure they need.

"If they can find it in their hearts to provide the money needed to help the vulnerable people and businesses who rely on the post office then that can only be a good thing."

Former South Woodford postmaster Zahid Mahmood said: “I’m very happy at this news, but I just hope they hurry up and make the right decision.

“I’ve put my whole life on hold waiting in case it is re-opened, and I can’t commit to anything else in the meantime.

"Hopefully they are serious and will do the research, and not just go through the motions like the Royal Mail did when they were carrying out their consultation.”

Church End councillor Hugh Cleaver added: “I think it’s now a case of wait and see, this is only the start of a process but it’s good to see agreement that these options should be considered.”