The Post Office in Middleton-in-Teesdale shut on August 15. MP Helen Goodman has written to the Post Office chief executive, Paula Vennells, citing a letter sent to villagers.
She said: “Your team has no idea of the impact that this closure will have on this rural village and the many hamlets surrounding it. Local services such as the Post Office are essential not only for the services that it provides but also to tackle social isolation and loneliness which can have a greater impact on older and vulnerable residents in rural communities such as Teesdale.”
Ms Goodman added: “Your letter suggests that residents should travel to Eggleston or Mickleton for Post Office services as there is a ‘regular bus service’. In fact there is only one bus available for residents travelling to Mickleton on a Tuesday and Thursday when the Post Office is open and this would require a 40 minute wait for the return bus to Middleton-in-Teesdale.”
On Mondays and Fridays, there are only two buses available to travel to Eggleston, one of which would require a 75-minute wait for the Post Office to open and then a 40-minute wait for the return journey to Middleton-in-Teesdale, the MP wrote.
She said the Post Office had spent £12,000 on security and communications equipment for the now closed shop.
She added: “Can you be clear on whether you are prepared to spend any more if a new Post Office counter is opened within another shop or community facility or will the owner be expected to foot the bill? I also understand that a six-month notice period is required to end a Post Office contract and I would therefore appreciate a detailed breakdown of what you have done for the past six months to find a suitable alternative and your intentions during the three month ‘temporary closure’.
“For example, why are you not providing a mobile service in Middleton-in-Teesdale?”
Ms Goodman is now waiting for a response. Meanwhile, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council clerk Judith Mashiter said councillors have been in talks with officials to find a way forward.
She added: “Unfortunately, running a post office is a commercial undertaking and does require someone willing to operate such a business in the village.”
The old post office ran from a premises in Market Place and after that closed the Post Office paid to install the equipment at the new premises in Horsemarket.
However, the sub-postmistress resigned last month.
Councillors hope the Horsemarket premises can be let to a new tenant. Mrs Mashiter added: “Post Office Limited has stated that its preferred solution is to maintain a full-time Post Office in the village and therefore it is prepared to wait a couple of months to see if the shop can be let. If this doesn’t happen then they would look at trying to get an outreach service in the village. If this were to be the case then the village could only expect to have provision one day per week for approximately three hours.”
Ms Goodman added: “Your letter suggests that residents should travel to Eggleston or Mickleton for Post Office services as there is a ‘regular bus service’. In fact there is only one bus available for residents travelling to Mickleton on a Tuesday and Thursday when the Post Office is open and this would require a 40 minute wait for the return bus to Middleton-in-Teesdale.”
On Mondays and Fridays, there are only two buses available to travel to Eggleston, one of which would require a 75-minute wait for the Post Office to open and then a 40-minute wait for the return journey to Middleton-in-Teesdale, the MP wrote.
She said the Post Office had spent £12,000 on security and communications equipment for the now closed shop.
She added: “Can you be clear on whether you are prepared to spend any more if a new Post Office counter is opened within another shop or community facility or will the owner be expected to foot the bill? I also understand that a six-month notice period is required to end a Post Office contract and I would therefore appreciate a detailed breakdown of what you have done for the past six months to find a suitable alternative and your intentions during the three month ‘temporary closure’.
“For example, why are you not providing a mobile service in Middleton-in-Teesdale?”
Ms Goodman is now waiting for a response. Meanwhile, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council clerk Judith Mashiter said councillors have been in talks with officials to find a way forward.
She added: “Unfortunately, running a post office is a commercial undertaking and does require someone willing to operate such a business in the village.”
The old post office ran from a premises in Market Place and after that closed the Post Office paid to install the equipment at the new premises in Horsemarket.
However, the sub-postmistress resigned last month.
Councillors hope the Horsemarket premises can be let to a new tenant. Mrs Mashiter added: “Post Office Limited has stated that its preferred solution is to maintain a full-time Post Office in the village and therefore it is prepared to wait a couple of months to see if the shop can be let. If this doesn’t happen then they would look at trying to get an outreach service in the village. If this were to be the case then the village could only expect to have provision one day per week for approximately three hours.”
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