'They started doing it this week and people are just walking out': Residents gather outside Broseley Post Office with petition to protest against changes

Owner, AF Blakemore & Son Ltd, announced earlier this month it was making changes to the service.

The firm said a “new style” Post Office would see the counter closed and Post Office transactions moved to the store’s retail counter.

However, the move has angered residents who say they no longer have privacy when doing financial transactions, and that the queues are now “out the door”.

Holly Thomas, who lives opposite the Post Office, said there was no consultation with residents when AF Blakemore & Son made the changes.

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She said: “They started doing it this week and people are just walking out. There are huge queues. My mum has Parkinson’s and can’t stand for too long but the queues have doubled and she can’t stand that long, the queues are out the door.

“There is also no privacy now, and they have cut the hours of all the staff and are expecting till staff to manage the Post Office.

“AF Blakemore & Sons that run the Post Office use the slogan 'here for you' but they are not, are they?

“They have made a decision without consulting the community or the town council or the MP.”

She said they intend to hand their petition to AF Blakemore & Son at their head office in Walsall.

They have also contacted South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson, who is campaigning to protect local Post Offices in his constituency.

He said: “Many residents have contacted me about the changes at Broseley Post Office. I have raised this case directly with the Post Office, which has informed me that the changes are a result of an internal review. From the feedback that I have received from residents, Post Office services in South Shropshire continue to play a central role in keeping our rural communities connected. So, I believe that Government Ministers must forge a sustainable future for local Post Office branches that retains the full range of locally valued services, including travel insurance and passport checks.

“This is also why I am appalled that the Government is still considering closing up to half of our post offices, reducing the three-mile radius, and cutting the availability of outreach services. Almost a thousand residents in South Shropshire have already signed the Conservatives' petition against the wider savage cuts, which would impact rural communities like ours most. With access to cash and everyday banking services on our high streets becoming more difficult, it is absolutely imperative that we protect our rural post offices which enable residents to still access these vital services."

AF Blakemore & Son was approached for comment but did not respond. However, in an email to residents, a spokesperson said: "This move to a Local Post Office offering will guarantee consistent Post Office access from 8am to 8pm (7 days a week), extending the hours compared with the current 9am–5pm (Monday – Friday) & 9am-1pm (Saturday) main counter service. 

"The only services that we will not be able to provide will be passport and ID checks, of which we do minimal transactions across a calendar year. This change allows us to maintain the services the community depends on, while making better use of space within the store to offer a broader range of products and services for our shoppers."