A bad decision

SIR, - Re the letter headlined "Angry queues" (Herts Advertiser, January 29), I wrote to the Post Office in September last year to express my grave concerns at the ability of the main branch in Harpenden to meet public demand. The decision by the Post Office to close the branch at 107 Station Road was, in the view of many local residents, poor judgement. The calamity of losing the post office in Southdown has served to exacerbate an already critical situation at the last remaining central branch in the town.

The Post Office made great claim that the main branch in the town centre would be able to adequately cope with the additional business generated by the closure of 107 Station Road. That has never been the case. Now the additional strain being placed on this service is being felt by many of the staff who have to face angry customers tired of delays and long queues. In her letter to the Herts Advertiser, Dawn Brown bravely stands up for the poor post office workers who are at the receiving end of the abuse they have to suffer because of the poor decision-making of management. I reiterate, clearly the Post Office have not listened to the public who have argued for the continued provision of 107 Station Road. Worse still, they don't appear to have listened or consulted with their own staff. There has been no response to the demands being placed upon the post office in Harpenden, the staff appear to have been left to do the best they can in a very sorry situation. Management have created this situation and management should now find the solution.

I agree with the sentiments of Dawn Brown and that the blame should not be laid at the door of the remaining staff. I am sure that there are many in Harpenden who would like to know what action the Post Office are going to take to address this untenable situation which persists week to week. I would welcome a response so that I can make others aware of their proposed action in this matter.

CLLR MRS PAT KENT

Harpenden Town Mayor.