IT problems hit Battle Post Office opening

Battle is currently without a Post Office after IT problems delayed the re-opening of the branch.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st May 2015, 09:12 BST

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"The supplied picture is copyright, Bev MARKS © 2015, all rights reserved. Bev Marks asserts his rights under the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1998 to be identified as the photographer of this picture. It is licensed by Bev Marks to be used by the Battle Observer, in a single article in both print and internet versions, free-of-charge, subject to full photographer acknowledgement in both media." SUS-150521-084740001"The supplied picture is copyright, Bev MARKS © 2015, all rights reserved. Bev Marks asserts his rights under the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1998 to be identified as the photographer of this picture. It is licensed by Bev Marks to be used by the Battle Observer, in a single article in both print and internet versions, free-of-charge, subject to full photographer acknowledgement in both media." SUS-150521-084740001
"The supplied picture is copyright, Bev MARKS © 2015, all rights reserved. Bev Marks asserts his rights under the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1998 to be identified as the photographer of this picture. It is licensed by Bev Marks to be used by the Battle Observer, in a single article in both print and internet versions, free-of-charge, subject to full photographer acknowledgement in both media." SUS-150521-084740001

The service moved from the High Street into its new home at Jempson’s Local in Market Square last week and was scheduled to open to the public at lunchtime on Wednesday May 13.

But instead a sign appeared in the window informing customers that the branch was unable to open as planned because of ‘technical issues’.

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A spokesperson for the Post Office told the Observer that “computer connectivity issues” were to blame for the delay.

It is not yet clear when the branch will open.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Due to complicated technical difficulties beyond our control the re-opening of Battle Post Office at new premises has been delayed.

“We are working hard to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the unplanned loss of service.

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She added: “We hope that Battle Post Office will soon be open.

“Battle’s new Postmaster Stephen Jempson is looking forward to welcoming Post Office customers to his new-look convenience store.

“Battle’s new Post Office will have significantly longer opening hours.

”There are four Post Office counters.

“There are three main counters - two open-plan and one screened, which will be open Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5.30pm.

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“There is also a Post Office serving point, alongside the retail till, offering selected services throughout the store’s opening hours: Monday to Saturday 7am – 9pm - an extra 38 hours a week including Saturday afternoon and significantly earlier opening and much later closing every day, making it far more convenient to visit.”

The “computer connectivity issues” is the latest issue to hit the Battle branch move.

Back in December 2013, the Post Office had to make an embarrassing climb down and withdraw plans for the move after consultation materials were released to early.

Post Office Ltd wrote to customers setting out proposals to move the service to Jempson’s.

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The letter, which appeared on the company’s website, said a six week consultation was to launch on December with the move planned for spring 2014.

But following an article in the Observer, Post Office Ltd said it was “not in a position to release that information”.

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