Local councillors and union launch campaign against Royal Mail office closure

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and ALL councillors in the WF15/16 postcode area have launched a campaign against the closure of the Heckmondwike Delivery Office by Royal Mail.

Heckmondwike DO office has served the local community in the Heckmondwike & Liversedge postcode for many years. Residents can use the office to pick up parcels, redirect or hold mail, and access other services. 

  

However in March 2012, Royal Mail announced plans to close the Heckmondwike Delivery Office by August 2012 and move operations to Batley Delivery Office on Grange Road, Batley.

  

The closure has been announced without consulting the Community and its elected councillors or MPs, or the workers and their union (CWU). Local Councillors and the CWU are calling on Royal Mail to keep the office open. 

For residents of Heckmondwike and Liversedge collecting parcels will mean the journey to Grange Road in Batley which at present has no bus service to it.

For businesses it could mean a disruption in service.

It will severely hamper our elderley and disabled People being able to collect Items- batley is not on a Bus Route.

"Councillor Statements"

Royal Mail Delivery Staff are not happy either, since most have worked at the office for nearly a decade and live locally. While receiving travel allowances for three years, ultimately they will have to pay more and travel longer to get to work.

Several are worried they may struggle to pick up their children from school if the move means later start times and longer travelling times. While Royal Mail has stated that nobody will lose their job, some workers may not have a place at Batley Delivery Office and are unsure where in the Wakefield area they may end up working.

  

Local CWU branch secretary Andy Lee explained: “In my opinion closing Heckmondwike Delivery Office would effect the quality of service offered to local residents and businesses and would be an unnecessary disruption to our member's current working life. I

There is no rationale behind Royal Mail’s announcement other than the money they will gain by selling the site".

  

The CWU Leeds No.1 Amalgamated Branch and Local Councillors have launched a campaign to keep the office open, in order to keep on serving the community. They are campaigning on the internet and in the local area with a petition's and leaflets. 

For businesses and residents please contact:

Andy Lee

Central Secretary

Leeds No.1 Amalgamated Branch

Communication Workers Union

Suite 6e

Josephs Well

Hanover Walk

Leeds

LS3 1AB

Tel: 0113 2341312 (Office)

       07958760045  (Mobile)

Fax: 0113 2341307

Email: andylee@cwuleeds.freeserve.co.uk