A rural submit workplace service in three Shropshire villages has closed at brief discover “with little regard” for the group, an area councillor has mentioned.
A Submit Workplace letter mentioned that, in an “unplanned closure”, the Pontesbury postmaster would now not function Minsterley, Hope and Shawbury outreach providers.
Councillor Heather Kidd, who represents the world round Hope, mentioned the closure of the service from Monday seemed to be everlasting.
Submit workplace outreach providers are offered to take care of entry to providers in distant or underserved areas, typically from cell vans, group buildings or native corporations.
Kidd, a Liberal Democrat member on Shropshire Council, mentioned “There was no warning and [it] has been achieved at brief discover with little regard to our very rural communities.
“We will likely be combating this.”
She mentioned the service had been “well-loved” and had performed an necessary a part of group lunches held each Wednesday.
Kidd urged individuals to participate in an online consultation, including: “Please participate on this struggle.
“Hope has already misplaced its college and store. It’s a resilient group. We have to let the Submit Workplace know that.”
She mentioned it had been “shockingly-handled with little regard for us all”.
The letter to clients mentioned: “Regrettably, the postmaster from Pontesbury department will now not be working Minsterley, Hope and Shawbury Hosted outreach providers because of unexpected circumstances.
“These providers, will subsequently, stop week commencing Monday 17 February 2025.
The letter, signed by Carol Williams, space change supervisor, mentioned: “Please settle for my apologies for the late notification on this event.”
The letter mentioned providers at Acton Burnell and Worthen continued to function as regular.
Each the Hope and Shawbury providers had operated out of village halls and final 12 months the opening hours had been diminished from two hours to 90 minutes a week, together with the closure of different close by providers.
