An MP has welcomed moves to provide a collection point for mail deliveries in the Aire Valley following confirmation by Royal Mail that three of its delivery offices will be closed by February.
The decision was made to close offices in Bingley, Shipley and Bradford West – and move operations to the Bradford North office in Inkersley Road – without public consultation, sparking anger among elderly people’s groups and senior councillors.
But since the announcement was made earlier this month, Shipley MP Philip Davies has received assurances from Royal Mail that an office will be provided for people in Shipley and Bingley to pick up their mail.
Michael Hogg, Royal Mail’s public affairs manager, said in a letter to Mr Davies that the company planned to set up a “local facility” in the Shipley constituency, but no firm plans have been made about its location.
Mr Davies said: “I am delighted that Royal Mail has decided to keep a collection point for mail in my constituency.
“I would clearly encourage my constituents to make representations to me or to Royal Mail on where the best place would be for it.”
Morag Turnbull, a spokesman for Royal Mail, said it was not yet clear whether similar arrangements will be put in place in Bradford West to compensate for the closure of the delivery office in Thornton Road.
The Bingley office will close in October or November, Bradford West's office will close in January and the Shipley delivery office will close in February.
Earlier this month, Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood said it was “absolutely wrong” that Royal Mail had failed to consult with those who use the delivery offices. Bradford and District Older People’s Alliance has also raised a petition against the closures.
Royal Mail is modernising its operations in what has been described as one of the biggest transformations in UK industry in response to the growth in electronic communications such as e-mail and social networking. It will not be imposing any compulsory redundancies as a result of the move.
Morag Turnbull said in a statement: “The relocation of Bingley, Shipley and Bradford West delivery offices is part of this, allowing us to place the business on a sound, secure and stable footing.
“Our service to customers will continue to be a top priority during these changes and customers can be reassured that we will do all we can to minimise disruption and ensure we maintain the high level of service they expect and deserve from Royal Mail.”
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