Published: Saturday, 14th February, 2009 11:55am

Fight is on to save sorting office

by Judith Green

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PASSIONATE community leaders have vowed to continue their fight against plans to close a postal sorting office.

The vow came as Royal Mail chiefs confirmed a decision over the future of Crowthorne sorting office was imminent.

Councillors and Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay have been fighting against plans to close the office in Kings Road as customers will be forced to travel into Bracknell to pick up parcels and large post.

On Saturday shoppers in Crowthorne High Street will be asked to sign a petition against the plans and the parish council has also posted a statement throughout the town.

Councillor Tina McKenzie-Boyle said: "We at Crowthorne Parish Council regret what we now believe has been decided. After many weeks of attempts by the Parish Council to ascertain the truth behind the rumours circulating it appears that the decision to close has been taken."

The fight to keep the sorting office open has also been supported by Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symmons, Crowthorne councillor for Wokingham Borough Council.

Cllr Helliar-Symmons said: "This decision has been made by stealth. I have written a number of letters to the Royal Mail about this asking for answers only to get very vague responses.

"I understand that they have no obligation to make these decisions public but it is just very bad communication."

Mr MacKay said he was also disappointed with the lack of response from the Royal Mail and that he thought it would be a real loss to the community if the sorting office was to close.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: "Faced with full competition and declining mail volumes, Royal Mail constantly reviews the operational efficiency and commercial practicality of all our units, including Crowthorne.

"We have no confirmed plans yet but expect a decision on the future of the unit to be made later this week. As this is a commercial decision for Royal Mail to take it is not something we are required to consult on publicly but we will of course discuss any changes with our people and will be happy to discuss the reasons behind any change with concerned parties.

"Should the move go ahead we do not anticipate any effect on the local delivery service and no compulsory redundancies."

Royal Mail has said that when the sorting office moves to Bracknell, no jobs are likely to go.

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