Save Chichester Post Office: Residents' outrage over new plans

The current Post Office, in West Street, is looking to move within British Bookshops Sussex Stationers (owned by WHSmith) in North Street, subject to a public consultation.

However, the proposed changes have sparked an outcry of objections from Facebook, with some branding the idea as ‘ridiculous’.

Melanie Brown-Levitt said: “Leave it where it is, that Post Office gets really busy with queues coming out of the door – there won’t be room in the book shop for that amount of people. It’s absolutely ridiculous.

“It’s supposed to be a historic city so let’s leave it as one and stop trying to keep up with everyone else.”

In last week’s report, Roger Gale, general manager of the Post Office Crown Network, said: “We are making sure we take the right course of 
action to sustain services for years to come.

“We must adapt to the changing needs of our customers, who want a convenient and flexible choice of when and how they do business with us – whether that is face to face or on the web.”

However, many residents have disagreed that these plans are the ‘right course of action’.

Resident Jane Scott said: “What a ridiculous idea. The bookshop is nowhere near big enough to cope with the Post Office queues!”

Another Facebook user, Ash Prince, said: “Let me guess, the Post Office building will turn into yet another expensive restaurant? Another estate agents perhaps?

“This Post Office has been there for years and years. Don’t move it – stop changing Chichester.”

The proposed move to Sussex Stationers is planned for October 2016.

Members of the public can provide views during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk by email at [email protected] or by phone on 03457 22 33 44

The consultation ends July 20.