CUSTOMERS of Oswestry’s Post Office have given their reactions to its inclusion on a list of branches that could potentially be closed.
The announcement that around 115 branches still owned and operated by the Post Office was given by its bosses in a speech given to staff on Wednesday.
The Advertizer spoke to customers who had been sending letters, depositing and withdrawing money and sending packages and they admitted they were disappointed by the news.
READ MORE: Oswestry Post Office branch to close according to reports
However, some did feel hope that there still could be light at the end of the tunnel for a future for Oswestry Post Office.
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“If it did go to a franchise, then would we still be able to get Euros?
“Are there other subpostmasters in town that can take the strain?
“Everything is closing down so it’s no more a blow than that. I don’t think they are thinking positively and should investigate the alternatives.”
She said: “I am Oswestry born and bred, and I come here, from about 15 miles away, to the NatWest for banking and use the post office for everything else, like paying my bills.
“I’m one of the fortunate ones who still has a branch here. The staff here are very good and provide an excellent service.
“It’s hard for people here and using online isn’t for everyone. I hope someone can take over for the town.”
David Stirling, 77 and from Morda, admitted his disappointment that the branch was marked for closure, saying it provides services nowhere else does.
“I use this one in Oswestry for the postal services and I use it quite a bit.
“I use it to put coin into a society account as the banks don’t dirty their hands with that anymore.
“If they close the post office then I assume it will be the end of the late collection.
“The hope for franchise is that they get competent people to run it. It’s that some have difficulty using online banking. Using the post office is the best way to pay in.”
Karen Moore has lived in Oswestry for 46 years and didn’t hold back in her view that the town has once again been left adrift.
She said: “I think it’s a disgrace and we’re losing everything.
“I’ve just been to the Post Office to check if I can deposit for a bank that we don’t have in the town.
“It’s a nightmare.
“It’s all well and good for people who can use online services but that’s an impact on elderly people who can’t or don’t want to do that.
“The post office is the only way people can bank and it’s now an inaccessibility issue.
“We don’t know how it’s going to be – yes there’s smaller post offices.
“But the online thing is not for everyone and it’s another blow to this small market town.”
Patrick Evans, 62 and from Cefn Mawr, in Wrexham, was visiting to use the services with his wife Linda.
He was more relaxed about the potential closure but admitted it would impact people in the town.
He said: “There’s lots of little post offices all around that we can use so we will be ok.
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“There are little shops available that can take on some of the services.
“I think the impact of any closures can be taken on by them.
“It’s disappointing for people who are coming here to use the post office, especially those who have it as sort of their routine.”
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