Post office campaign hailed a great success

THE deputy who orchestrated the campaign to save the rural post offices has heralded it a resounding success. Commerce and Employment announced on Friday that the post offices, boxes and six-day deliveries should survive for the foreseeable future. Its briefing paper stated that lower service levels would produce only a modest cut in postage costs.

The matter had been rescinded and only minor changes were being put forward and there was no need for States debate, the department said. But the reality of the approach would likely see significant future increases in postage costs, principally on account of the evolving relationship between Guernsey Post and Royal Mail.

Western district deputy Al Brouard instigated a petition to save the post offices, accepting that to do so would incur some costs. It was signed by 5,000 people and was presented to OUR director-general John Curran in June.

'There is the issue of funding outlets which make a small loss, but it must be remembered that Guernsey Post made a profit of £1.5m. after covering these costs and I contend that these retail outlets are part and parcel of running a postal service,' said Deputy Brouard.

The petition started as a response to an OUR consultation document and comments from Postwatch, which put forward various proposals including the closure of all rural post offices, with only Town and St Sampson's outlets remaining.

These reductions would save between half a penny and a penny on future stamp-price increases.

'I am absolutely delighted that Commerce and Employment has taken notice of islanders' concerns and I really wish to thank all those who took the trouble to sign the petition,' he said.

'People often assume that governments don't listen to their electorates, but the main thing I would like to say is that with 5,000 voters' backing, you can make a difference.'

He was adamant that if the petition had not been organised, the situation would be different.

'It would have gone through almost without comment and no doubt some of the rural outlets would have been closed very soon. It shows people can have an effect.'

Deputy Brouard said the post office debate had come around full circle.

'The OUR started its review, Postwatch and Guernsey Post had their say, the OUR then completed its report and Commerce has put out a briefing paper which says no change,' he said.

'That is about as far as it can be taken.'

He said there was some ambiguity in Guernsey Post's customer charter, which states that no one should be more than two miles from a post office.

'If you interpret that to the nth degree, some rural post offices would still be under threat, but the message is clear that for the next five years, don't touch.'

He said the campaign had been a resounding success.

'It just shows that people can really make a difference to the services they want in the island.'