Agenda No 4 AGENDA MANAGEMENT SHEET
Name of Committee Cabinet
Date of Committee 31 July 2008
Report Title Post Office Network Change Programme - Impact of Closures in Warwickshire
Summary This report sets out information on the Post Offices closure programme, actions taken to date and asks Cabinet to discuss the recommendations that will be made by the Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22 July 2008.
For further information Roy Shearing - Principal Kushal Birla – Head of please contact Officer, Business Support Customer Service and Services Access Tel. 01926 412737 Tel. 01926 412013 [email protected] [email protected]
Would the recommended No decision be contrary to the Budget and Policy Framework?
Background Papers None.
CONSULTATION ALREADY UNDERTAKEN:- Details to be specified
Other Committees X Council – 24 June.
Local Member(s) ...... (With brief comments, if appropriate)
Other Elected Members X Councillor P Barnes Councillor M Jones for information Councillor P Morris-Jones
Cabinet Member X Councillor C Saint (Reports to The Cabinet, to be cleared with Councillor Mrs H Timms appropriate Cabinet Member)
Chief Executive X J Graham
Legal X D Carter – comments incorporated I Marriott, J Pollard
Finance ......
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Other Chief Officers X D Clarke - Resources Graeme Betts – Adult, Health and Community Services
District Councils X
Health Authority ......
Police ......
Other Bodies/Individuals X Postwatch, Post Office Ltd, Area Managers, Alison Hodge (Warwickshire Association of Local Councils), E Cordwell, Steve Patalong, Eric Britton and Ayub Khan
FINAL DECISION YES (If ‘No’ complete Suggested Next Steps)
SUGGESTED NEXT STEPS : Details to be specified
Further consideration by ...... this Committee
To Council ......
To Cabinet ......
To an O & S Committee ......
To an Area Committee ......
Further Consultation ......
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Agenda No 4
Cabinet - 31 July 2008
Post Office Network Change Programme - Impact of Closures on Warwickshire
Joint Report of the Strategic Director for Environment and Economy and Strategic Director of Performance and Development
Recommendation
1. Members are asked to note the actions taken so far and consider the recommendations made by the Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22 July 2008.
2. That the Strategic Directors of Performance and Development and Environment and Economy in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Economic Development and Corporate Services be given joint delegated responsibility to approve the final response to Post Office Limited on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.
1. Summary
1.1 On 24 June 2008, Post Office Limited (POL) announced proposals to close 22 post offices in Warwickshire, with five being replaced by an outreach service Appendix A. At a Council meeting on 24 June 2008, it was agreed that the Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting on 22 July 2008, should contribute to the preparation of a response to be considered by Cabinet on 31 July 2008.
2. Introduction
2.1 A report, setting out the programme for managing the impact of the Post Office closure announcements was issued for Council on 24 June 2008 Appendix B.
2.2 At the Council meeting, a summary briefing note was issued to all Members identifying the locations proposed for closure, including those where an outreach option was proposed.
2.3 Council endorsed the following recommendation:-
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(i) That the initial comments of the Council be taken into account in preparing a response from the County Council, in conjunction with our partners.
(ii) That the effect of the proposals should be reviewed thoroughly and all options for responding to the social and economic effects of the proposals be examined including any ways in which the Council can support local communities.
(iii) That the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees contribute to the preparation of a response to be considered by Cabinet on 31 July 2008.
3. The Closure Programme
3.1 On 24 June 2008, Post Office Limited (POL) published its Area Plan proposals for closing 22 post offices in the county, replacing five of them with an outreach service (see Appendix A).
3.2 POL has engaged with various stakeholders when preparing this Area Plan Proposal including Postwatch and local authorities (Warwickshire local authorities sent a joint response on 5 February 2008) to provide information and views relevant to the factors they were able to consider.
3.3 POL claim that their proposals would meet with minimum access criteria set by Government and that, for 91% of customers, this would mean no change to the Post Office® branch they currently use.
3.4 Outreach services are proposed for five locations in the Stratford on Avon constituency. The outreach solution would be located within the same community as an existing Post Office branch and provide Post Office services for a designated number of hours per week.
3.5 The Outreach Service currently has four different service models: Mobile Service, Hosted Service, Partner Service and Home Service (rarely used).
3.6 The solution to be applied at the five locations will depend on a negotiated arrangement between POL and the current postmaster or other interested parties in the community affected.
3.7 Public consultation will end on 4 August 2008.
3.8 It should be noted that POL branches not listed for closure in the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire area may be subject to a further review after the six weeks local consultation period if a successful appeal against any of those identified for closure is made (“Information about the Post Office Network” – Mark Partington, Network Development Manager).
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4. Action Plan
4.1 County and District Officers have met on a number of occasions, most recently on 25 June 2008, to share information and best practice. A further follow up meeting is planned for 22 July 2008.
4.2 A meeting took place on 9 July 2008 in Shire Hall, which was attended by elected Members, officers and Clerks from County, Districts and Parishes. POL and Postwatch also attended the meeting. The briefing note from this meeting is attached as Appendix C.
4.3 Public consultations have taken place in the affected areas around the County, organised in partnership between County, District and Parish Councils. MPs have also called their own meetings, e.g. Mike O’Brien: (Ridge Lane) Ridge Lane Methodist Community Church and Community Hall on 5 July, Jeremy Wright: Clifton on Dunsmore on 11 July, Overslade Lane, Rugby on 17 July and Kenilworth (Albion Street) on 24 July, James Plaskitt (West Street, Warwick and Milverton) on 28 July. An update will be given at Cabinet on the findings to date of the public consultation meetings.
4.4 All post offices identified for closure have been contacted by an officer and offered support, making information available (e.g. on changing demographics, planned housing growth, access issues) to build a case opposing closure if that is the outcome desired by the sub postmaster and community. Business advice regarding diversification, developing new services or other aspects of the business has been offered from our business support services, Warwickshire Rural Community Council Field Officer (for rural post offices) and Business Link (for urban post offices). It is clear that some post masters will take the severance package offered by POL as their business income has already fallen to unacceptable levels.
4.5 Success in reversing POL’s decision would depend on evidence of incorrect information used by POL, information about substantive new developments that might alter demographics or insufficient recognition of disadvantaged community issues. POL data has been based on 2001 census, so may be out of date although current Warwickshire Observatory validation is only significantly different for population in four cases (Bramcote, Ilmington, Long Compton and Wilmcote - see Appendix A).
4.6 Examples of decisions elsewhere in England that have been changed include: Gloucester Avenue - Northampton, where plans for a new sheltered housing unit hadn’t been included in considerations, Stamford, where a new University Campus expansion was being planned and another location in Staffordshire where new sheltered housing and inaccessibility of the alternative post office led to a change. Officers will be gathering relevant information to see if there are similar substantive issues that may help individual cases.
4.7 A Post Offices update, which included advice and information provided by Warwickshire Observatory, was sent out to Members and other community representatives on 16 July - see Appendix D. Note that catchment area figures may not be the same as population within one mile radius.
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4.8 Where a postmaster wants to retain the post office and hard evidence for keeping it open can be presented on the grounds of updated or new demographic information, Regional Spatial Strategy or local plans, a formal response to the consultation would be presented to POL with the appropriate local authority endorsement before 4 August 2008.
5 Recommendations
5.1 Members are asked to note the actions taken so far and consider the recommendations made by the Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22 July 2008.
5.2 That the Strategic Directors of Performance and Development and Environment and Economy in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Economic Development and Corporate Services be given joint delegated responsibility to approve the final response to Post Office Limited on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.
PAUL GALLAND Strategic Director for Environment and Economy Shire Hall Warwick
DAVID CARTER Strategic Director of Performance and Development Shire Hall Warwick
17 July 2008
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Appendix A of Agenda No
Cabinet - 31 July 2008
Post Office Network Change Programme - Impact of Closures on Warwickshire
(POL Network Change Programme – Area Plan proposals for Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire 24 June 2008)
Constituency Address Population Warwickshire % of Miles to within 1 mile Observatory retired/under 16 nearest Validation PO Warwick District Kenilworth Albion Street, CV8 2FZ 17363 18,821 22% /18% 0.6 Leamington Spa 7 Warwick Place, Milverton, 27858 27,991 19% / 14% 0.6 CV32 5BH Warwick West Street, CV34 6AN 12167 12,080 22% / 17% 0.4
Nuneaton and Bedworth Bedworth Collycroft, 65 Nuneaton 15327 15,866 17% / 20% 0.7 Road, CV12 8AP Bedworth Newtown Road, CV12 8QQ 22584 23,080 17% / 20% 0.6 Nuneaton Manor Court Road, CV11 23699 24,344 17% / 20% 0.5 5HU
Rugby Borough Clifton upon Main Street, CV23 0BH 4783 4,944 14% / 21% 1.1 Dunsmore Rugby Overslade Lane, CV22 6ED 20884 20,925 21% / 20% 0.6 Shilton Village Hall 1112 1,153 19% /17% 1.8 Bramcote Artillery Road, Bramcote, 1602 973 15% / 17% 1.8 CV11 6QW
North Warwickshire Atherstone Ratcliffe Road, CV9 1HY 10056 10,548 20% / 20% 0.6 Arley Ansley Lane, CV7 8FU 2651 2,603 15% / 20% 1.5 Lea Marston 3 Church Lane, B76 0BJ 790 808 16% / 18% 1.3 Piccadilly 2 Piccadilly, B78 2EP 2676 2,451 14% / 20% 1.4 Ridge Lane Ridge Lane, CV10 0RF 955 938 21% / 16% 2.0
Stratford District Broom 20 High Street, B50 4HJ 2967 2,962 15% / 23% 1.7 Stratford 5 Tiddington Road, CV37 11241 11,328 28% / 13% 0.5 7AE The following 5 Post Office Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution Brailes High Street, Lower Brailes, 983 908 25% / 17% 500yds / OX15 5HN 4.1 miles Ilmington Middle Street, CV36 4LS 479 670 28% / 16% 200yds / 3.4 miles Long Compton Main Street, CV36 5JJ 246 709 25% / 15% 100yds / 5.1 miles Preston on Stour Old School House, CV37 245 257 15% / 21 % Same site 8NG / 3.4 miles Wilmcote 1 Aston Cantlow Road, 913 1,091 23% / 18% Same site CV37 9XN / 3.1 miles Data in the above spreadsheet is that supplied by Post Office Limited and is based on 2001 census data. Local communities are likely to be collecting up-to-date data on a parish level.
Cabinet/07a08/ww5a 17.07.08 A1 of 1 Appendix B of Agenda No 4
Cabinet - 31 July 2008
Post Office Network Change Programme - Impact of Closures on Warwickshire
BRIEFING NOTE Post Office Network Change Programme – Proposed Closures in Warwickshire
1. Summary:-
a. Post Office Ltd today opened a six week local public consultation on its area plan for Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire.
b. In total 17 Post offices in Warwickshire are under threat of closure (see list below), with a further 5 being identified as Outreach service provision.
Full details, maps and consultation documents can be downloaded from: www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange Area Plan.
a. The area plan proposes future provision of Post Office services through a network of 298 branches across the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire area, resulting in the closure of a total of 51 existing branches.
b. Post Office identifies 139 post offices currently open in Warwickshire plus three that are temporarily closed, hopefully to reopen eventually; Grendon, Pailton & Water Orton.
c. 17 are proposed for closure with an additional five being serviced by outreach in future. The proposed closure rate for Warwickshire is 12%, whilst the national average is 18%.
d. Outreach services use innovative ways to continue to provide Post Office services – particularly in smaller communities where the existing branch is nominated for closure.
e. Possible types of outreach service could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partners (such as a pub landlord).
f. Under the proposals, the Post Office claim that 99% of the area’s population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.
3. Consultation
a. Post Office Ltd is now seeking views on the proposed future service provision in the area, including in particular views on access to Post Office services, the accessibility of alternative branches to those proposed for closure and the appropriate form of outreach service to be provided.
post office closures appendix B.doc A1 of 2 b. From the outset of the Network Change Programme, Post Office Ltd has made it clear in its communications that the Programme is not designed to provide a forum for debate on whether branches should close, but is about ensuring that Post Office Ltd has the best available knowledge to allow it to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close.
c. Consultation is due to end on 4 August 2008.
d. Warwickshire County Council Officers have held meetings with their counterparts from each of the five Districts and Boroughs and will continue to work closely with them to ensure that residents are given accurate and up to date information.
e. The Business Support Team, together with Warwickshire Rural Community Council and Business Link will be giving advice to those businesses that are affected by the closure proposals.
Post Offices in Warwickshire included on the list are:- Warwick District Kenilworth Albion Street, CV8 2FZ Leamington Spa 7 Warwick Place, Milverton, CV32 5BH Warwick West Street, CV34 6AN
Nuneaton and Bedworth Bedworth Collycroft, 65 Nuneaton Road, CV12 8AP Bedworth Newtown Road, CV12 8QQ Nuneaton Manor Court Road, CV11 5HU
Rugby Borough Clifton upon Dunsmore Main Street, CV23 0BH Rugby Overslade Lane, CV22 6ED Shilton Village Hall Bramcote Artillery Road, Bramcote, CV11 6QW
North Warwickshire Atherstone Ratcliffe Road, CV9 1HY Arley Ansley Lane, CV7 8FU Lea Marston 3 Church Lane, B76 0BJ Piccadilly 2 Picadilly, B78 2EP Ridge Lane Ridge Lane, CV10 0RF
Stratford District Broom 20 High Street, B50 4HJ Stratford 5 Tiddington Road, CV37 7AE
The following 5 Post Office Branches are proposed for replacement by an outreach solution Brailes High Street, Lower Brailes, OX15 5HN Ilmington Middle Street, CV36 4LS Long Compton Main Street, CV36 5JJ Preston on Stour Old School House, CV37 8NG Wilmcote 1 Aston Cantlow Road, CV37 9XN
For further details contact: Roy Shearing Kushal Birla 01926 412737 01926 412013 [email protected] [email protected]
post office closures appendix B.doc A2 of 2 Appendix C of Agenda No 4
Cabinet - 31 July 2008
Post Office Network Change Programme - Impact of Closures on Warwickshire
Notes from the Post Office Closure Programme in Warwickshire Meeting - 9 July 2008
Council Chamber, Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 4SA
Chair: Councillor Farnell, Leader, Warwickshire County Council
Post Office Ltd – briefing given by Mark Partington and Sue Dakin
The Post Office Network are facing many challenges – changing buying patterns, utility companies opting for changes in service delivery, changes in high street trends. The public is using the internet, email to access services. The Post Office only has one unique service – the postal order. These challenges have resulted in yearly losses. Currently the Network is suffering a loss of £3.5m per week and 4m less customers per week since a year ago.
In December 2007 the Government launched the compulsory closure programme. Within the framework, the post office work to strict criteria from which they give an overall score to contribute towards developing the closure plans. In deciding which post offices are identified for closure, Post Office Ltd look at the number of customers, proximity of Post Offices, savings to Post Office Ltd.
When the Plans are developed the following actions are taken:
• Checks are undertaken on branches and local factors • Plans are shared with Postwatch • Factors such as transport/access/demographics are checked • Sub Postmasters and Postmasters are visited by Post Office Ltd and Postwatch
In Warwickshire all affected postmasters have been contacted – the consultation period ends on 4 August 2008 and the closures will begin in September/October 2008.
Q: Where do you get information from on population and demographics, do you look at electoral registers? A: Census 2001 and field advisors, will check the electoral registers if the information has been flagged up as incorrect, Post Office Ltd are interested in customer usage of the post offices.
Q: Will you attend all the public meetings? A: Yes will try to attend as many as possible.
post office closures appendix C.doc C1 of 5 Q: Is the information discussed with Postmasters available to all? A: No, it is commercial information. The Access Reports are available to the public.
Q: In urban areas, is the criteria 1 mile access? A: 99% living within 3 miles and 90% within 1 mile
Q: When were the branch access reports produced? A: May 2008 onwards when the consultation process commenced.
Q: Are retirement options (for Sub Postmaster and Postmasters) part of the criteria? N: No – branches are identified for closure using government criteria, volunteers were not requested.
Q: Are the number off pillar boxes taken into consideration? A: Yes – we liaise with Royal Mail on these issues.
Q: What about mobile post offices? A: Yes, this is one of the options but there has to be a cluster of post offices which it could service as the Sub Postmaster will be responsible for the post offices.
Q: With respect to installation of pillar boxes, planning permission would be required – will the consultation be extended to allow for this. A: No.
Q: If a closure is overruled what happens to the rest? A: Look at the next one on the list using the same criteria and consult on this
Postwatch – briefing given by John Verspeak and Shirley Goodchild
Postwatch was set up in 2000 as the conscience of the industry, to protect the vulnerable and to work constructively to get the best outcome for customers including the disabled, elderly, those on low income, and those living in rural communities. It was set up under the Postal Services Act 2000 and is funded by the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform. It is independent of Government and Royal Mail.
Its role in the Post Office Network Change Programme has been to work constructively to achieve the least worst outcome for most people. Prior to the public consultation it invigilates the process, checks demographic information, the topography, assesses the impact on the community after the Plan is implemented, undertakes desk research and spot checks and visits. As a result of this, 14 changes were made to Warwickshire’s Post Office Closure Programme.
When the public consultation begins, the role of Postwatch is to encourage as much public engagement as possible, make sure the rules are followed and if any part of the process has not been followed it can ask for a review. It reads all emails sent to Post Office Ltd, monitors calls to Post Office Ltd etc. Postwatch does not have a right of veto, neither does Government.
Q: What is the optimum usage figure for post offices? A: 750 people per counter per week to 1,000 in larger post offices.
post office closures appendix C.doc C2 of 5 Q: What about the impact of new estates being built in the Area? A: The important factor is customer usage of the Post Office.
Q: What about the viability of the local shop if it loses the post office? A: Yes this is taken into account and the closure can be rejected on this basis.
Q: What if the shop is not attached to the post office? A: Yes this is taken into account too.
Q: Apart from the Census figures what about an aging population is this considered? A: Yes but others things are also considered, transport, sheltered housing etc.
Q: How should the local authority contribute? A: Make sure they have factual evidence and make strong representation.
Q: Are social deprivation factors taken into account? A: Yes Super Output Areas, post office use the raw figures and this triggers a visit to the post office and the area. Factors taken into account include car ownership, bus services, people in vulnerable groups.
Nick Taylor – Stratford on Avon District Council
A joint response was agreed by all local authorities in Warwickshire to the original Post Office Ltd letter from Sue Huggins, Programme Director at the Network Change Programme Office.
Meetings have taken place between local authority officers and Government Office for the West Midlands to share ideas and at the meeting in May Business Link pledged to offer business advice those affected by the closure programme.
Warwickshire County Council has supported an officer from the Warwickshire Rural Community Council to help identify potential problem areas, particularly with the vulnerability of village shops.
A range of dates and meetings have been proposed for public consultation and these have been shared with Post Office Ltd and Postwatch.
Although there has been activity at community level in developing plans of action and responses, and some public consultations may have taken place, today is the first opportunity for everyone affected to receive a joint briefing, ahead of public consultations yet to take place.
Following the announcement on 24 June, officers have been working across the County, carrying out analysis of the areas and communities affected by the proposed closures.
The public consultation period began on 24 June and representations are invited by Post Office Ltd, with a closing date of 4 August. Representations may be made in writing or by email. There is also a telephone helpline.
post office closures appendix C.doc C3 of 5 Mark Partington, Network Development Manager, C/O National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM [email protected]
08457 22 33 44
Further information is in the pack provided.
Steve Patalong – Warwickshire Rural Community Council
WRCC are a charity to support rural communities in Warwickshire. It looks at the rural perspective of the closure programme in terms of immediate impact within the rural areas.
Around 130,000 people live in rural areas. 95% of the rural population should be within 3 miles of a post office (this assumes there is an adequate bus service). There are 13 closures in rural areas but 5 will be supported by outreach services. Some of these closures were expected but some were a surprise.
WRCC have visited all closure sites, most communities will be making representation to Post Office Ltd, but all Postmasters do understand the post office position.
Warwickshire Observatory have evidence that some wards feature in the top 1% disadvantaged in terms of access to services. 70% of rural communities don’t have shops and those that do may lose them if the post office closes. Further there is concern that where outreach has been identified, in the long term sustainability of the outreach is also in danger and concern on how outreach will work. The uncertainty is adding to the anguish. The closure programme does not help the cohesion of these communities/villages.
Q: Pre consultation why weren’t parish councils included? A: Local authorities were contacted and asked for lists of people to consult – WALC were aware of the closure programme and parishes were informed.
Q: What can local authorities do in their own right? A: They could step in with funds – similar to the Essex model. Post Office Ltd will not subsidise local authorities who want to run post offices.
Q: If we decide to adopt this option, when should the post office be informed? A: All proposals can be made after the consultation process has ended.
Q: Warwickshire Compact gives best practice for consultation processes, why was the consultation document only available on the web and sent to CE’s of County and District & Borough Councils?
A: These comments will be taken on board, we are trying hard to improve the consultation process. Information was available on the internet and at post offices.
Q: How do we contact Postwatch? A: Via post – freepost Postwatch, phone - 08456 013265 and via email [email protected].
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Q: Access for older people and disable parking issues
A: Recognise the social impact but post offices must be profitable. Information is available on the internet on alternative post offices in the area with disabled access.
Q: Can existing sites be used to offer the outreach service? A: Yes, as long as it reduces the overall costs to Post Office Ltd.
Closing question by Councillor Farnell
Q: Is this consultation process genuine? A: Yes it is, we do listen and act on relevant information. These are difficult decisions to make to ensure sustainable post offices for the future.
Other General Comments made:
Post Office Ltd has not considered the effect on local communities and businesses, what about carbon footprint.
Outreach Service is not defined.
This is Hobsons Choice not consultation.
Home workers will be adversely affected as they need a post office nearby to post their letters.
All public meetings outcomes and representations made at any level should be copied to WCC so best practice can be shared and there is a co-ordinated approach to the consultation feedback.
post office closures appendix C.doc C5 of 5 Appendix D of Agenda No
Cabinet - 31 July 2008
Post Office Network Change Programme - Impact of Closures on Warwickshire
POST OFFICES
UPDATE Issue 2 – 16th July, 2008
This second edition of Update bring the latest news and Best Practice with regard to the Post Office closure programme for Warwickshire branches.
There has been a lot of activity in many of our branch areas, and a number of public meetings have been held, including one in Shire Hall, Warwick on 9th July. The questions and responses from that meeting are included later in this briefing.
The Warwickshire Observatory has also produced a brief report for each branch giving demographic and other information that may be of assistance to those running local campaigns. However, as has been stated many times previously, it is local knowledge and local campaigns that will have the most impact.
Please remember to share your data with both your Borough or District Council and with Warwickshire County Council so that each of those Authorities can make an informed response to the programme.
MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. How do we challenge the assumptions made by Post Office Ltd? A. Firstly, get hold of the Branch Access Report, available at: www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange Then use local people to check out the information given: • Is the demographic data correct? (Post Office Ltd used the 2001 Census –if you have a Parish Plan or community audit you may have more current information) • What additional Post Office services are available (shop or newsagent don’t count!) • How about getting into the local branch or the alternatives? • Is the stated distance to the proposed alternative branch correct? • What is the terrain between the branches? See also Best Practice • Are the bus timetables accurate, for instance? What about disabled access? How long do you have to wait between arriving at the other branch and getting a bus back? • What other local facilities might be affected by the closure? If the only shop is in the branch then that will also be affected. However, even if it is separate from the branch it may be affected by people going elsewhere for postal services and not shopping locally • Is there a post box in the wall – and will that still be in use if the branch closes? See below • How far away is the nearest ATM – and does that charge for use?
Q. When do we have to get our information together by? A. As soon as possible! The closing date for the consultation is 4th August, however if the Parish and Borough/District and County Council are to incorporate their information in their responses they will need it at least a week before that. You will probably also want to let the
Cabinet/07a08/ww5d 17.07.08 D1 of 15 local residents know what you have found so that they can incorporate the information in their second letter (who says they have to stop at one?)
AIM TO HAVE ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED AND IN BULLET OR TABULAR FORMAT BY WEEK ST COMMENCING 21 JULY
Q. How will we post letters if the branch closes? A. If your local branch includes a posting box in the wall then Post Office Ltd will have been in discussion with the postmaster to determine if, in the event of closure, they would be prepared to keep the box there. Some postmasters have declined as they are concerned that they will still have people coming into the premises and expecting to find other Post Office services, which they can no longer supply. Royal Mail will have to make a planning application to provide posting boxes and there will be an interim period between closure and the installation of a new post box. It is not clear at this stage what arrangement will be made to cover this period
Q. How will the closure affect our postal deliveries? A. Post Office branches are currently used as a repository for mail that is waiting to be delivered, with the postman walking or cycling back to collect the next sack load (they could hardly be expected to walk around with the post for a whole village!) If the branch closes this facility will no longer be available but Post Office Ltd say that Royal Mail are investigating other options including providing “drop boxes” (see above re planning permission) or using private dwellings (after security checking) – as currently happens in a number of locations around the country.
TIMELINE Here are the suggested dates for activity up to the end of the consultation period:
Date Activity w/c 14/7 Collect the data as outlined in this Update, plus anything else that may be relevant to your case w/c 21/7 Compile your data into a bullet-point report. Put it onto the local notice boards and in the branch window, circulate it to residents and remember to sent it to you Parish, District/Borough and County Council using the contacts at the end of this Update w/c 28/7 Check that the Councils detailed above have received the data and see if there is anything they feel should be added 30/7 Send your final submission to Post Office Ltd to reach them in good time (use recorded delivery as well as email to be sure it gets there!) 4/8 Closing date for consultation Approximately 2 Post Office Ltd announce final decisions weeks No defined Branches close timeline
Cabinet/07a08/ww5d 17.07.08 D2 of 15 BEST PRACTICE Here are some suggestions that have proven effective in other areas:
• USE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY: use local people and allocate tasks according to people’s strengths or interests, so that no one person is expected to do everything • WALK THE ROUTES BETWEEN BRANCHES: make a note of features along the way such as lack of pavements or street lighting. Are there any steep hills, busy roads to cross or other features that would make the route impractical for walkers? Include this in your final report • FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY DEVELOPMENTS PROPOSED IN YOUR AREA: check out the Local Development Plan to see if your area has been allocated for housing or other development, and ask your Borough or District Council if there are any planning applications in the pipeline. Post Office Ltd could not know about these factors, but they are relevant if they are likely to be built in the next few years (current economic climate not withstanding!). If the sites are unlikely to come forward for many years then this will be less relevant. • KEEP YOUR REPORT SHORT AND TO THE POINT: Concentrate on challenging the Branch Access Report or bringing forward factual matters that could not have been known by Post Office Ltd. Keep the report short and use bullet points rather than long and rambling sentences
Cabinet/07a08/ww5d 17.07.08 D3 of 15
WHAT INFORMATION DO THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES HAVE ABOUT OUR AREA? The information below has been collated by the Warwickshire Observatory from a number of sources. If you spot inaccuracies or feel that there is additional information available then please follow the steps outlined in this issue of Update to produce your own report. Don’t forget to send it to your Parish, Borough/District and County Council using the contacts list at the end of this document - and to encourage your residents to write again to Post Office Ltd including the updated information.
Branches marked for closure
Branch name, Albion St location Kenilworth CV8 2FZ (WDC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the community in its area immediate vicinity which would include an estimated 2,500 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes a large part of Kenilworth town which would more naturally use the town centre (Abbey End) branch. Demographic Approximately 1 in 4 of the people within this catchment area, profile and nearly 1 in 3 in the immediate vicinity, are of retirement age, compared with the District average of 1 in 5. Transport There is a bus service every 15 minutes from Albion St to links Abbey End (a 3 minute journey) and all buses on this route have low floors/disabled access. Economic There is at least one other retail outlet in the immediate area. effects
Branch name, Arley location Old Arley CV7 8FU (NWBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is Old Arley and area probably Furnace End, the hamlets of Monwode Lea and Over Whitacre and outlying farms. This would include an estimated 750-1,000 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes New Arley which has its own branch. Demographic At the last Census, the proportion of the population living in this profile area who were of retirement age was 23%, compared with an average for the Borough of 19%. Transport There is a hourly bus service between Old Arley and New Arley links (a 4 minute journey). Low floors/disabled access cannot be guaranteed on these buses. The 717 also services Furnace End and Over Whitacre. Economic The PO appears to be the only local shop. effects Other Furnace End PO has closed at some time in the recent past. considerations
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Branch name, Bramcote location Bramcote CV11 6QW (NBBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is Bramcote and Burton area Hastings which would include an estimated 650 private individuals plus the barracks and hospital. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes areas beyond this that would be unlikely to use this branch. Demographic At the time of the census only 5% of the people in this profile catchment area were of retirement age. Transport There are buses to Whitestone or Wolvey 3 times a day (2- links hourly). Buses on this route have low floors/disabled access. Economic The PO appears to be the only local newsagent. It is likely to effects be used by visitors to the hospital and 2 local businesses. Other Bramcote is geographically isolated and the Super Output Area considerations (SOA) in which it lies is ranked in the top 10% SOAs nationally on the geographic barriers domain of the IMD. Burton Hastings PO has closed at some time in the past.
Branch name, Bridgetown location Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7AE (SDC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the area to the south area of the river between Loxley Rd and the southern bypass, which would include an estimated 5,000 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes a large part of Stratford town which would more naturally use the town centre (Henley St) branch. Demographic Since a significant proportion of the development in this area is profile post 2001, we have no accurate demographic information, but on the basis of 2005 estimates, there are likely to be at least 1,000 people of retirement age in the catchment area. Transport Bridgetown is serviced by the Park & Ride service with buses links every 20 minutes into the town centre. Economic This PO probably serves a dozen businesses but in particular effects two major hotels and a number of guest houses, so is relevant to the tourist economy. Other A further 280 dwellings are planned within this catchment, of considerations which 35-40% will be affordable housing.
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Branch name, Broom location Broom B50 4HJ (SDC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the community in its area immediate vicinity which would include an estimated 550 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes a large part of Bidford on Avon which would more naturally use their own (High St) branch. Demographic Approximately 12% of the people in this catchment area are of profile retirement age, which is low compared to the District average of 23%. Transport POL cites the hourly 247 bus service, but this runs from links Wixford to Bidford along a road c.500m from Broom. Economic There appear to be around 20 businesses in this catchment effects area which may be using the PO. Other This PO lies within a Super Output Area (SOA) with above considerations average deprivation, especially on skills, income and geographic barriers
Branch name, Clifton location Clifton on Dunsmore CV23 0BH (RBC) Catchment The logical catchment area is smaller than that ‘within one mile area radius’ due to three PO’s just outside the one mile buffer zone, and includes Clifton on Dunsmore village and several dispersed buildings/farms in the immediate surrounding area. The settlement of Newton has also been included in this logical catchment area due to what would seem a loss of its PO in the last few years and the direct access to Clifton on Dunsmore using Newton Road (approximately 1.7km) Demographic The population of this catchment area can be estimated at profile 1,470 with approximately 28% over retirement age Transport The bus route from Clifton on Dunsmore (the same route from links Newton) to Clifton Road takes about 9 minutes, stopping once every hour. Buses on this route have low floors/disabled access. Economic Negligible? effects Other Would be further for those in Newton to travel considerations
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Branch name, Collycroft location Bedworth CV12 8AP (NBBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the community in its area immediate vicinity which would include an estimated 4,800 individuals. The PO’s 1 mile catchment includes a large part of Bedworth town which would naturally use the town centre branch. Demographic Approximately 13% of the people in this catchment area are of profile retirement age, which is low compared to the Borough average of 18%. Transport The 48 bus runs down the main road into Bedworth every 10 links minutes 9-5 Mon-Fri and until 3.30 on Sat. The 778 runs through the Collycroft estate and into Bedworth hourly. Both have low-floor access. Economic The branch is likely to be used by passing trade on this main effects road, which is likely to impact on the shops in the immediate area and there appear to be no others within the catchment area. Other The area around this PO to the east of the Nuneaton Rd lies considerations within one of the 25% most deprived SOAs nationally and is within the worst 10% nationally on the education and skills domains of the deprivation index. Collyhurst House Residential care Home is just over 100m to the south of the branch.
Branch name, Lea Marston location Lea Marston B76 0BJ (NWBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO would include the small area settlement of Lea Marston, as well as Marston to the north. There are also a number of farms and scattered houses in the surrounding area. Demographic Approximately 300 people are estimated to reside in this profile catchment area, of which around 15% are of retirement age. Transport An hourly bus service to the alternative branch in Whitacre links Heath, taking 6 to 7 minutes. Buses on this route have low floors/disabled access. Economic Large distribution park just to the south of Lea Marston effects (although likely to have Royal Mail delivery & collection service) Other Those in Marston may choose to travel to Kingsbury rather considerations than use the alternative in Whitacre Heath.
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Branch name, Manor Court Rd location Nuneaton CV11 5HU (NBBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the community in its area immediate vicinity which would include an estimated 1,900 individuals. It includes the local clinic, medical centre, dental practice and a day hospital. The PO’s 1 mile catchment includes the majority of Nuneaton town most of whose residents would naturally use other branches. Demographic At the time of the last census, 18% of the people in this profile catchment area were of retirement age, although 1 in 4 of the 350 residents in the immediate vicinity were of retirement age. Transport Residents have no bus links to the town centre or Queen’s Rd links branches which are the nearest alternatives. A few on the northern outskirts of the catchment area may be able to walk to Midland Rd to catch a bus. Economic It is likely that this branch is used by a number of small retail effects outlets in Manor Court Rd and Abbey Green and by the Abbey Grange Hotel. Other A part of this catchment area is the northern part of the Abbey considerations Priory SOA which is one of the 10% most deprived SOAs nationally.
Branch name, Milverton location Warwick Place, Leamington Spa CV32 5BH (WDC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the area to the north area of the river and west of the Parade, which would include an estimated 4,000 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes a large part of Leamington town centre which would more naturally use either the Clarendon St or Priory Terrace branches. Demographic Approximately 17% (700) individuals in this catchment area are profile of retirement age. This is slightly below the District average of 19%. Transport Although there is a bus every 10-minutes along the Rugby links Road, which then turns south and east to run nearby the alternative branch at Clarendon St, there are none along Warwick Place. Economic This PO is in an area where there are many small businesses, effects which may rely on it, plus larger establishments such as the Council Offices, Warwickshire College and the Fire Station. Other Might it make sense to consider closing both the Milverton & considerations Clarendon St branches and re-opening a branch on the Parade?
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Branch name, Newtown Rd location Bedworth CV12 8QQ (NBBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the community in its area immediate vicinity, including parts of Bedworth Heath to the north of the dismantled railway and Bedworth Woodlands, which would include an estimated 3,800 individuals. Since this PO is on a route from the Bedworth bypass it is likely to draw in passing trade. The PO’s 1 mile catchment includes a large part of Bedworth town which would naturally use the town centre branch. Demographic Approximately 21% of the population in this catchment area are profile of retirement age. This is above the Borough average of 18% Transport There is a bus service every 15 minutes through the Bedworth links Heath area into Bedworth town centre. All buses have low floors. Economic There appear to be no other retail outlets in the immediate effects vicinity of this branch, so its convenience store is a valuable facility for the neighbourhood. Other This PO serves part of the Bede Cannons SOA, which is considerations among the 25% most deprived SOAs nationally.
Branch name, Overslade Lane location Rugby CV22 6ED (RBC) Catchment Due to the densely populated nature of this area, and the three area other Post Offices within a one mile radius of Overslade Lane, a logical catchment area was harder to identify. However, an area that lies below the Bilton Road, and includes the areas to the north of the Post Office most likely to be affected, was selected. Demographic Approximately 5400 are estimated to reside within the chosen profile catchment, of which 28% are estimated to be retired Transport Bus route operates from Overslade Lane to the alternative links branches of Kingsway and Woodlands. The service operates every 20 minutes, takes between 6 and 10 minutes, and have low floors/disabled access. Economic Largely residential area. Some small businesses in and around effects Overslade Lane Other Densely population area. Nearest PO office to an SOA considerations (Overslade North West) in most deprived 30% nationally. Average number of customer sessions same as for the alternative branches. The one mile radius around the PO contains four SOAs in the top 50% most deprived nationally (2 in top 30% and two in top 30-50%). This one mile radius also includes three other Post Offices remaining open, however these are to the east, west and south of Overslade Lane. The area to the north of this closure would be most likely to be affected.
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Branch name, Piccadilly location Tamworth B78 2EP (NWBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the village of area Piccadilly plus the Slately Hall and associated residential development and Holt Hall and associated residential development which would include an estimated 400 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes parts of Kingsbury and Wood End which each have their own branch. Demographic At the time of the last Census 15% of the population of this profile catchment area was of retirement age. Transport There are 3 bus routes linking Piccadilly to Kingsbury and links Wood End which provide at least an hourly service. All buses on these routes have low floors/disabled access. Economic There does not appear to be any shop in the village other than effects that provided in this branch. Other considerations
Branch name, Ratcliffe Rd location Atherstone CV9 1HY (NWBC) Catchment The catchment area for this PO is largely the same as for the area Long St branch in the centre of Atherstone, although it provides a more convenient option for the 1,500 residents of the St Georges & Carlyon SOA to the north of the A5. The PO’s 1 mile catchment includes the whole of Atherstone and most of Mancetter. Demographic Approximately 29% of the people in this catchment area are of profile retirement age. This is significantly higher than the 19% average for the Borough Transport There are 5 No.7 and 3 No. 766 buses into Atherstone town links centre every day, giving intervals of between 30 mins and 1.5 hrs. All No. 7 buses have low floors/disabled access but this is not the case for the 766s. Economic This branch is within a petrol station and supermarket and so is effects likely to be used by passing trade. It may also be used by the dozen or so local businesses and/or their employees. Other The SOA in which this branch lies is one of the 10% most considerations deprived nationally, on both the education and skills domains of the Indices of Deprivation.
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Branch name, Ridge Lane location Ridge Lane CV10 0RF (NWBC) Catchment Because of the road network in this area, the logical catchment area area for this PO is Ridge Lane and Birchley Heath only. This would mean an estimated 750 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment includes areas beyond this that would be unlikely to use this branch. Demographic Approximately 20% (150) individuals in this catchment area are profile of retirement age. Transport There is an hourly bus service from Ridge Lane to Chapel End links (a 10 minute journey) and all buses on this route have low floor/disabled access. It also serves Birchley Heath. Economic There appear to be no other retail outlets in the vicinity so that effects the supermarket at the PO will be an important resource to this isolated village. There appear to be only 2 or 3 businesses locally which might be using the PO. Other Ridge Lane and Birchley Heath are geographically isolated. considerations
Branch name, Shilton location Shilton CV7 9JZ (NBBC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO includes the settlements area of Barnacle and Ansty as well as some outlying farms, which would include an estimated 1,200 individuals. Demographic Approximately 21% of the people in this catchment area are of profile retirement age. Transport There are buses to Bulkington 4 times a day (2-hourly). Buses links on this route have low floors (disabled access). They also serve Ansty. Economic This PO is likely also to be used by businesses and/or the effects employees on the Industrial Estate. Other Shilton is geographically isolated and the Super Output Area considerations (SOA) in which it lies is ranked in the top 10% SOAs nationally on the geographic barriers domain of the IMD.
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Branch name, West St location Warwick CV34 6AN (WDC) Catchment The logical catchment area is mostly include the area area contained within Stratford Road, Hampton Road and the Warwick by pass. This catchment area includes the deprived (30-50%) Warwick West SOA. Demographic Approximately 3,880 people are resident in this catchment profile area, of which 23% are estimated to be of retirement age. Transport Two bus routes available to two different post offices. The links number 68 goes to the nearest of the two (now in Shire Hall, originally in Westgate House) every half an hour taking approximately 3 minutes. However, there are no low floors and the bus stop is approximately 500yrds from the Branch. The bus route to the second alternative branch runs every 10 minutes with the journey taking around 15 minutes. There is a guaranteed disabled access and the bus stop is located outside the branch Economic Those businesses along West Street. effects Other Within the one mile radius of this PO, three SOAs are in the top considerations 50% most deprived nationally (with one in the top 30%). The post office is located just outside one of the SOAs (Warwick west) in the top 30-50% most deprived nationally.
Branches marked for replacement with outreach service
Branch name, Brailes location Lower Brailes OX15 5HN (SDC) Catchment A logical catchment area is likely to include the villages of area Upper and Lower Brailes together with the settlements of Winderton, Sutton under Brailes, Cherington and Stourton. There are also numerous farms and houses scattered around the area Demographic This specified catchment area has an estimated population of profile around 1,435, of which approximately 28% are of retirement age Transport links Bus services to Shipston on Stour take around 12 minutes. Route 23 (low floor) runs four services a day. Route 480 runs five services (low floor) but does not serve the outlying villages. Economic May impact on the small number of local businesses in the effects area as well as the residents and any home-workers. Other Large rural area. If Long Compton also closed – no PO in Considerations Warwickshire to the south or east of Shipston on Stour. Further east there is Sibford Ferris Branch in Banbury
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Branch name, Ilmington location Ilmington CV36 4LS (SDC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the village and area neighbouring settlements of Darlingscott, Blackwell, Admington Compton Scorpion and Nebsworth which would include an estimated 1,100 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment area is too small in such a rural area. Demographic Approximately 1 in 4 of the people within this catchment area, profile are of retirement age, which is consistent with the District average. Transport There is a bus service 3 times a day to Shipston (17 mins) and links all buses on this route have low floors/disabled access. (There is also a weekly flexibus link to Shipston) Economic The PO appears to be the only shop in the village. The only effects businesses appear to be two pubs. Other considerations
Branch name, Long Compton location Long Compton CV36 5JJ (SDC) Catchment The village of Long Compton and the neighbouring area settlements, Barton on the Heath, Great Wolford, Little Wolford and Whichford. Demographic Approximately 1,650 people reside in this catchment area. profile Around one third of this population is estimated to be of retirement age Transport links Bus route to Chipping Norton offering two services a day (not low floors). Also only two services a day to Shipston on Stour Economic There appear to be around a dozen small businesses in the effects village, which may be using the PO. Other Great Rollright Post office would appear a closer alternative Considerations than the nominated Chipping Norton but no bus route.
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Branch name, Preston on Stour location Preston on Stour CV37 8NG (SDC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the village and area neighbouring Wimpstone which would include an estimated 250 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment produced a similar estate. Demographic At the time of the last Census, approximately 16% of the profile people in this catchment area were of retirement age, which is lower than the District average of 23%. Transport Although the PO which is geographically closest is at Lower links Quinton, it is not a likely option, given the road network and the lack of public transport. It is more likely that residents of this village would go to Stratford or to Shipston. There are 2 buses a day to Stratford (10 mins) and 1 bus a day to Shipston (28 mins). Economic The PO appears to be the only shop or business in the village. effects There are a number of small businesses at a local farm development which may be using the PO (and their employees). Other The PO/shop has been signposted from the busy A3400 which considerations may be drawing in trade.
Branch name, Wilmcote location Wilmcote CV37 9XN (SDC) Catchment The logical catchment area for this PO is the immediate are area which would include an estimated 900 individuals. POL’s 1-mile catchment area produced a similar estate. Demographic Approximately 1 in 4 of the people within this catchment area, profile are of retirement age, which is consistent with the District average. Transport There are 2 buses a day to Stratford (which do have low links floors/disabled access) as well as regular trains and tourist buses. Economic There appear to be a handful of businesses in the catchment effects area which may be using the PO (and their employees and customers). Other Wilmcote is a popular tourist destination, for those visiting Mary considerations Arden’s house. Sources: • Catchment areas: by inspection of maps and locations of clusters of addresses (Ordinance Survey ADDRESS-POINTR). • Population estimates / percentage of retirement age: ONS 2005 mid-year estimates for best-fit Super Output Areas, or if no good fit: 2001 Census data for best-fit Output Areas. • Transport links: published timetables, in consultation with WCC transport planning team. • Economic effects: inspection of Postcode Address File names for named businesses. • Deprivation: DCLG data file for the 2007 English Indices of Deprivation. • In some cases, familiarity with the location has been used to comment on, for example, tourism.
Cabinet/07a08/ww5d 17.07.08 D14 of 15 CONTACTS
Warwickshire County Council: Kushal Birla Head of Customer [email protected] Service & Access Roy Shearing Principal Business [email protected] support Officer Leigh Hunt Business Support [email protected] Officer North Warwickshire Borough Council
Dorothy Barratt Forward Planning [email protected] Manager Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Kelly Ford [email protected] Rugby Borough Council
Karen Stone Strategic Director [email protected]
Julie Price Head of Customer & [email protected] Information Services Stratford District Council Nick Taylor Customer Services [email protected] Development Manager Warwick District Council Elizabeth Young Policy & [email protected] Performance
Officer
REMEMBER: PLEASE LET YOUR BOROUGH COUNCIL AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL CONTACTS ABOVE KNOW WHAT ACTIVITIES YOU ARE UNDERTAKING AND SHARE ANY BRIGHT IDEAS THAT YOU HAVE COME UP WITH!
Postwatch John Verspeak CV & NN area [email protected] Midlands Post Office Limited
Mark Partington Network [email protected] Development Manager
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