Post Office 'no longer' looking to open Greenstead service

It comes as bosses at the company decided to not pursue a future facility after the last service in Hunwicke Road closed five years ago.

But Tim Young and fellow Greenstead councillors Julie Young and Molly Bloomfield have vowed to fight the decision.

Mr Young said work is ongoing to set up a petition in a bid to portray the strength of feeling within the community in reaction to the move.

No service - Greenstead has not had a Post Office for five years (Image: Newsquest)

“We were having productive discussions about putting a new Post Office service in,” said Mr Young.

“We then got this email out of the blue where they said they aren’t opening any new branches which was a real shock.

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“We thought it was going so well in the talks so to get that is a real crushing disappointment.”

The last Post Office service based in the shopping parade in Hunwicke Road closed after the postmaster decided to step down.

Outcry - Tim Young said he will help start a petition to lobby the Post Office (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Young explained how it became “one of the most popular and well used sub-branches in Colchester” when open.

He fears residents who do not drive will have to walk to the Hythe or Wivenhoe to drop off their parcels.

“It is a much needed facility on the estate and we are determined to get one back,” he continued.

“We are going to set up a petition and get it online. I know it will get a good response and hopefully people will listen.”

Closed - a Post Office was once housed in the shopping parade in Hunwicke Road

A Post Office spokeswoman said the firm has “limited funding” and must be careful in how it prioritises money spent.

She added: “We advertised the vacancy for a Post Office on the Greenstead estate for a long while, with no joy.

“Five years have now passed and over time customers have made alternative arrangements to access Post Office services.

“There is already Hythe Quay Post Office, just over a mile from Greenstead, and Colchester branch in the city centre. Both provide a full range of Post Office services.

“Therefore, we are no longer looking to open a branch in the Greenstead area.”

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