Protestors say 'elderly, vulnerable and disabled will lose out' if Park End Post Office is closed

Elderly, vulnerable and disabled residents would lose out if a Middlesbrough Post Office is closed, protesters have said.

The Post Office has consulted on plans to close the Park End branch, in Langley Court, Penrith Road, and relocate it to Ormesby, where another branch at Cargo Fleet Lane already exists.

But local ward councillors are unhappy at the proposal and question why Ormesby needs a second Post Office.

Cllr Mick Saunders said: “While some residents of Park End will find the closure an inconvenience there are residents who are elderly, disabled and vulnerable who depend on the Post Office.

“There has been a Post Office at Langley Court for at least 50 years that I can remember and to lose it would be another blow to the estate after losing the Community Centre and the doctors surgery,

“The papers the Post Office sent me state the new local style branch, as they call it, will be situated 600 metres from the current Post Office.

“That distance is a long way to an old or disabled person. I think if this proposal goes ahead, it will only benefit Royal Mail shareholders and not the residents of Park End.”

The Post Office is proposing to move the branch to Lealholme Crescent in Ormesby.

But ward councillor for the Beckfield Ward which includes Ormesby, Cllr Brian Hubbard, said he thought the Park End branch should remain open.

He added: “Although it doesn’t seem that far, Ormesby already has a Post Office and I think the Park End branch should remain open and stay where it is.”

A Post Office spokeswoman said: “The Post Office is investing in new models of Post Office branches which will help improve their profitability and also benefit our customers through longer opening hours and modern retail environments.

“With regards to accessibility, there is a car park within 50 metres of the proposed premises and there is also a frequent bus service between the current branch and the proposed premises. The nearest bus stop is within 50 metres away.”

The Post Office say now that public consultation has ended, they “will consider all feedback received before a decision is made” which should take four weeks.