Huw Merriman, has welcomed news from Post Office Limited that a temporary portacabin facility could be in place in Heathfield within the next few weeks.
Heathfield has been without a Post Office following the unexpected closure of its only branch on 1 April. Although the closure was beyond the control of Post Office Ltd, both Huw Merriman and East Sussex County Councillor Rupert Simmons have criticised the poor communication to local customers and the delays in setting up an alternative facility.
Since his election to Parliament, Huw has made Heathfield Post Office a top priority and has worked closely with Cllr Simmons and Wealden District Council to help Post Office Ltd sort out alternative premises as quickly as possible.
Last Friday, Post Office Ltd informed Huw that a portacabin facility would be placed on the car park at Mill Road within the next three weeks and, once utilities are in place, this will provide temporary Post Office services to Heathfield residents and businesses until a permanent solution is found.
Huw commented “This whole situation has been very unsatisfactory for the residents of Heathfield, especially elderly and vulnerable members of our community who rely on the services the Post Office provides. Although I appreciate that the closure of Heathfield Post Office was beyond the control of Post Office Ltd I have been very disappointed by the lack of communication to customers and the time it has taken to provide an alternative temporary solution.
I welcome this latest news and would like to thank Cllr Simmons and Wealden District Council for their work in helping Post Office Ltd to find alternative premises by cutting through the red tape to make this happen.
I will continue to work closely with all parties to ensure that a permanent new Post Office is found for Heathfield as quickly as possible. Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council has kindly arranged a public meeting with representatives of Post Office Ltd which I will be chairing on Tuesday 11 August at 7pm at Heathfield Community Centre. All very welcome to attend.”