MEMBERS of Cornwall Council recently attended a meeting with the Post Office to discuss the situation of whether Launceston Post Office is to stay in the town centre or move to another premises, possibly at Newport.

The meeting, held on the afternoon of February 24, was arranged by Launceston's Cornwall Councillors with the regional Post Office Managers. Also at the meeting were representatives from Launceston Town Council and from the town's Chamber of Commerce, who all expressed the strong desire to keep a town centre branch.

Alex Folkes, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Launceston Central said that at the meeting, the Post Office explained the situation they were in — that they couldn't find a permanent tenant for the town.

Cllr Folkes explained that, initially the Post Office had an interview with an applicant from Newport, there was also another application from someone in the town which had been 'fast tracked' so that both applicants could be interviewed on the same day as the meeting.

According to Cllr Folkes, Cornwall Council said that there was likely to be significant rate relief offered as well as improved disabled access and three months rental.

He said: "The landlords have been great. However, the town cannot afford to move to Newport, the residents and shoppers cannot afford it and the access at Newport is no good.

"Launceston needs its Post Office in the town centre. Without it, local shops and businesses would suffer. Less than 18 months ago the Post Office closed its branch in Newport and a move back there would have been a retrograde step. The location proposed would have been inaccessible by public transport or on foot."

Cllr Folkes added: "The meeting went well, we have to hope it comes out right for the town."

After this meeting was held Cornwall Council received a letter from the Post Office with the explanation that a proposal to move the branch to Newport had been rejected by the company at present, who have declared a commitment to finding a new sub-postmaster in the town.

Cllr Folkes commented: "Whilst they did not feel able to appoint the town centre applicant, I feel that this is very good news overall, as it shows that the Post Office have listened to the needs of the town and will be doing all they can to keep the branch in the town centre.

"We therefore welcome the decision by the Post Office to reject a move away from the town centre to Newport. I know that all the Cornwall Councillors will be doing everything we can to make sure that the best possible applicants now come forward."

Cornwall Councillor for Altarnun, Phil Parsons, said: "We welcome their decision. Many thanks to the Post Office for listening to the overwhelming majority local view that the Post Office will serve Launceston and the surrounding area only if it is centred in the town.

"Now the clock is ticking. If there is anybody interested in being postmaster, please come forward. This is the last chance; they can't keep consulting and consulting."

If anyone would like to speak to the Post Office regarding the matter, please email Colin Pound, Field Change Advisor for the South West Team at [email protected]">[email protected].