Brailes’ Post Office…
I have been hearing rumours for the past couple of weeks that Brailes’ Post Office is one of those selected for closure by “those upon high”. I heard confirmation this morning that that is indeed the case.
This move will unfortunately cause inconvenience for many people in the parish, but great inconvenience for those who have difficulty with travelling out of the parish. I received an email this morning from Mrs. L. Ancient, which probably reflects the thoughts of many people:-
“I believe that the post office is closing down in our village. Where will we be able to do ‘Post office’ type business, when it finally closes? I believe that the actual shop is to keep on with its trading as a grocers etc.
Your sincerely Mrs. L Ancient”
At present, as far as I am aware, the two nearest Post Offices outside of Brailes are in Shipston-on-Stour, and Sibford, though I am at this time unaware of the situation regarding their longevity…
If anyone should have further information to share, it will be published also.
Admin.
June 24th, 2008 at 08:03 pm
There is a poster in the window of the post office explaining the process for the closure and alternative arrangements should the Brailes Post Office close.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:44 am
I have now received further information relating to this topic - see the Parish Website homepage http://www.brailes-parish.org.uk/ for more information.
Admin.
July 6th, 2008 at 08:16 pm
It is gratifying to know that so many people are ready to fight to save Brailes Post Office and I would like add my comments to the mix. I have run the Post Office and shop for over 16 years and seen many people come and go during that time. There are also a number of people living in this village who have never been in the shop to even buy a stamp or a pint of milk! I am very keen to keep everything local, particularly in these days of spiralling fuel prices, and would hope that I will be able to continue to provide a service to the local community. However the Post Office is a changing business. Only about 12% of the village pensioners get their pension at the Post Office mainly because the government actively encouraged everyone to have it paid in to their bank accounts. About 10 mothers receive their child allowance from me. You can no longer get your TV license from the PO and car tax (once the domain of the PO) can now be bought online. I am paid by units of business and consequently my salary (which was not great to start with) is getting less and less each year. If I go on holiday I have to pay for someone to take over from me – the PO pay a small proportion of what I pay my relief and they give me 3 weeks allowance per year. The Post Office does not offer a pension scheme for its employees nor is their any provision for sickness. If I need any new equipment for the Post Office – for example a date stamp - I have to pay for it. I will be compensated for closing the Post Office and plan to use some of that to refurbish the shop. Without the restriction of the Post Office I will be able to devote more time to making the shop a more useful commodity. It will only survive, however, if you, the people of Brailes, use it! I am very willing to listen to comments and suggestions as to how I can improve services. I would also welcome any approaches from local producers who have products they would like me to sell. We have made Brailes our home and our children have grown up here and we have no plans to leave - but we are a business that needs to make money to survive and can only do so with the support of the village.