Change to Market Drayton mail office hours sparks protest

Residents in Market Drayton today hit out at Royal Mail bosses after the opening hours of the town's inquiry office were slashed.

Earlier this month it was revealed the opening hours for the office in Queen Street had been reduced by up to half with bosses claiming it was to save money and because they say not enough people are using it.

But today residents described the move as 'ludicrous' and questioned the changes.

The office was originally open from 7am to 9.30am and 10.30am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays and 7am to 12.45pm on Saturdays.

But the changes have seen the opening times cut to 8.30am to 1.30pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 12pm on Saturdays.

Resident Philip Lockwood said: "This is absolutely ludicrous.

"I have lived in Market Drayton for a long time and have seen the town go downhill. This is another nail in the coffin.

"A lot of people live in Market Drayton but work in Shrewsbury, Telford, The Potteries, and then there are the young people.

"How are people going to have the time to use the office?"

Roger Hughes, Shropshire Council member for Market Drayton West who also lives in the town, said: "It is disappointing. I don't think they have taken into the consideration the needs of customers.

But Royal Mail spokeswoman Val Bodden said: "This was done in line with customer usage and the most efficient use of resources."

She said there are now different ways for customers to arrange redelivery.