Councillor says relocating it to the Martins newsagents would be like putting it in the middle of the M5
Plans to relocate Axminster Post office to a town centre site near a busy road junction have sparked outrage.
Officials say moving from their current West Street base to Martin’s newsagents in Victoria place would have many advantages – including longer operating hours.
But many councillors and users are furious and say it will put customers at risk because of the narrow pavements, often mounted by heavy Lorries.
Mums with pushchairs, pensioners with zimmer frames and mobility scooter users would be put in danger, they claim.
Town councillor John Jeffery said: “You might as well put it in the middle of the M5.
“It is absolutely the worst place – there is no parking and you can see new lorry wheel marks across the narrow pavement every day.
“It would be a disaster for people with buggies, pensioners and people with prams.”
Town and district councillor Douglas Hull has already registered his protest.
He has written to PO chiefs to say people like his wife Joy, who use wheelchairs, would be at risk as well as those with sticks and parents with pushchairs.
He points put that:
* The pavement is the narrowest in town and is consistently driven over by lorries on this dangerous corner.
* The congestion outside the premises already forces people to step into the street to get by.
He said relocating the post office there would be “an accident waiting to happen”.
He added: “There is no facility to park outside the premises to deliver heavy or large parcels for postage. Why can’t you return to the old site in South Street?”
Chronic arthritis sufferer Claire Williams, 44, said she would not want to take her mobility scooter there.
“I think it would be a disaster,” she said. “The present post office has a big pull-in with a canopy where you can park and keep your scooter dry. I think this idea is rubbish and I can’t see it working.”
Now residents are being invited to take part in a six week consultation process before the relocation can be approved.
They are told the move would mean:
* A modern “new style” open plan post office in a newly refurbished premises.
* Longer opening hours.
* No reduction in products or services.
* Selected Post Office services will also be available at the retail counter outside main customer times.
Residents have until November 6 to comment.
They can do so online at www.postofficeviews.co.uk
quoting branch reference 159519. Or call customer helpline on 08457 223344 for more options on how to have your say.
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