Dismay over post office closures

Sixty-two post offices in Cornwall could close or become outreach services, it has been revealed.

It has identified 49 branches for closure, with 13 more replaced with a mobile service.

Nine further communities in east Cornwall will lose their mobile service, as announced last month as part of the Devon closures.

Local people have reacted with dismay that one in five branches in the county will be affected.

While the rural area around Bude is badly affected, no post offices on the Lizard will close.

"The government and post office policymakers expect the elderly and disabled to crawl six miles to a post office"
Ray Elliston, Week St Mary resident

There has been an angry reaction from Week St Mary, a rural parish in the north of the county, where the post office is listed for closure.

It operates within the only shop remaining in the village and public transport services to the nearest town of Bude are limited.

Eileen Sorrell, 80, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease and can only walk a very short distance, said she was horrified by the decision.

She is able to access post office services independently by using her mobility scooter.

But that will not be an option if her branch closes as she cannot take her motorised scooter on a bus.

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Ms Sorrell has recently tried going to Bude on a bus with a wheelchair loaned to her by the Parkinson's Society.

"It was a lot of hassle because you have to pre-warn the bus that you wish to travel and then you have to have someone with you as 'a pusher'," she said.

She said the closure could mean she will have to consider moving house or going into a nursing home in order to retain the small amount of dignity and independence she has.

Another angry villager, Ray Elliston, said: "We're not allowed to cull badgers, we're not allowed to hunt foxes but the government and post office policymakers expect the elderly and disabled to crawl six miles to a post office."

There will now be a period of consultation before the closure plans are finalised.

Members of the public can email their comments to consultation@postoffice.co.uk or Info@postwatch.co.uk

A final decision is expected in September.

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