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Protesters gather to protest against the closure of Avebury post office

THE watchdog Postwatch has asked the Post Office to reconsider its closure plans for a number of small offices, and it could offer a lifeline for Avebury.

The village post office is among those which Postwatch wants a rethink on. The list, however, does not include London Road Post Office in Marlborough.

The final decision by Post Office Ltd, which follows a six-week consultation, is due tomorrow.

Although Postwatch is an advisory group and has no power to veto any decision, its request for the decision to close the Avebury post office and replace it with an outreach service has brought new hope that the service might be saved.

Protesters have argued that the village post office in Avebury serves not just villagers but also many of the thousands of tourists who visit each year.

Dick Stannard, who has run the post office for 27 years, has found someone to take it over if the Post Office reprieves it.

Devizes MP Michael Ancram joined villagers when they held a mass protest outside Avebury post office on January 12.

This week he has supported the Postwatch call for a rethink. He said: "I am sorry they are not looking at trying to save all of them.

"We have made a strong case to keep all of those in the Kennet area open, especially Avebury, because of its national and international significance."

Avebury Parish Council chairman Jenny Baldry said: "We thank Postwatch for its support. We have been saying all along that Post Office Ltd has not taken on board that we are part of a World Heritage Site.

"As Michael Ancram said when he came along and supported our protest, people come here from all over the world and what a laughing stock we would be if we could not even offer them a post office."

Postwatch has not called for a rethink on the popular London Road Post Office in Marlborough which is also on the closure list.

Mayor of Marlborough Peggy Dow said: "I am horrified by the loss of any facility in this town especially one as well used as London Road Post Office.

"People living on that side of the town have come to rely on it over the years and they are the ones who will be affected most if it closes."

Erlestoke Post Office is on the closure list and the landlords of the George and Dragon pub have offered the pub as an alternative Post Office facility.

Paul Russell, one of the landlords, said: "The Post Office haven't come back to us. It's a case of us waiting for them to enter into discussions about what we could offer at the pub."

Christina Baron, chairman of Postwatch South and West said: "We have reviewed both Post Office Ltd's area plan and responses made during the consultation period.

"We have concluded that a rethink is needed on the proposals to close these branches. We have raised our concerns with the Post Office and it will now review the proposals."

Check the Gazette website tomorrow for up to date information on post office closures

4:27pm Thursday 21st February 2008

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