R2OK!

iwarburton · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland

So it looks as though some 2500 post offices will close, leaving about 11500 still open.

We're told that the less-frequented ones lose £200 million a year and at first sight this looks ruinous. But the reality is that this is a drop in the financial ocean. Losses on the Iraq war, a NHS computer system that doesn't work properly and procurement of prescription drugs which then aren't used make the PO loss pale into insignificance.

It's claimed that the losses are being brought about by changes in the way we do things, such as ever-increasing use of online payment facilities and the like. Some truth in that, of course, but it strikes me that the Government has deliberately reduced PO business by, for instance, removing sale of TV licences from its brief.

If the closures go ahead, then we will see a true example of knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing. I can only hope that some imaginative solutions can be found to allay the effects of these closures, such as more multiple use of premises.

Ian.

Behind Geddon's Wall · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject:

Hull's main post office is being turned over to WH Smith.
_________________
Geddon

You simply mustn't blame yourself -- the days were perfect
And so were exactly what I was born to spoil
For I am the Rider to the World's End
Bound across the cinder causeway
From the furnace to the quarry
Through the fields of oil

gfloyd · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 1:05 pm Post subject:

Is there any need for post offices anymore? I dont think I've been inside one in years.
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His name was ernie ........ and he drove the fastest milk cart in the west.....

AndyAndy2 · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 1:22 pm Post subject:

What will all the ebayers do?
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Some say he once threw a microwave oven at a tramp and that all his potted plants are called 'Steve'.....all we know is, he's called 'The Stig!'.

Rachel · Guest

I remember when "they" were going to close 20 mines.

gfloyd · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject:

Rachel · Guest

That's not what I meant ... and you know it, you big bouncy tease you.... Smile

I mean it's just the tip of the iceberg...

In fact, just today ... I had to collect a parcel from 35 miles away, simply because the company hadn't used Royal Mail. If I'm not in when the postman tries to deliver a parcel - he leaves at the post office - a 2 minute walk away. The delivery company took it back to their depot.. when I phoned and said well can you bring it tomorrow- we don't work weekends... ok how about next Friday... oh no can't do that , we have to deliver it within 5 days or return it to the sender... can I collect it? Oh yes from our depot ........ The depot was further away then the shop who had sent me the parcel!!! &^%$££"!!!

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

Cherskiy · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 7:23 pm Post subject:

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

Cherskiy · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 8:39 pm Post subject:

Granted, LEE - but I was going by the majority view in my office today, most of whom couldn't see why post offices needed to exist. They hadn't considered people outside of towns and cities.

I suppose I am a townie (though I'm a country boy at heart through my upbringing and family), but I resent the closures too, for the same reasons you have stated.
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gfloyd · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 8:57 pm Post subject:

My point was more that Post Office's in their current form (as a stand alone enterprise) are doomed. I dont understand why people dont pay bills online or by direct debit, except maybe if they are of the generation now dying out, who are not comfortable with the modern world.

I dont see why post office services cant be offered by local shops, etc as part of their day to day services. That would help smaller retail outlets survive.
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His name was ernie ........ and he drove the fastest milk cart in the west.....

Cherskiy · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 6:23 am Post subject:

I deal with the public a lot through my job, and the number of people who say the new benefits scheme (paid directly into bank accounts) makes it virtually impossible for them to complete benefits forms at certain times of year, is amazing. Older folk are really confused about what their benefits are, as most of the time they are all lumped together into one payment and they don't know the breakdowns, even though most benefit forms only ask for certain ones. The Data Protection laws prevent us from accessing the DSS and Pension Service databases to find out for them!

When the benefit rates change, hardly anyone seems to know what they'll be paid and when - the DSS are supposed to send out letters explaining the new rates but they don't seem to.

Most folk I speak to would like to see the old ways return where they collected the money at their local post office.
_________________
Author: “To the Ends of the Earth: A Snapshot of Aviation in North-Eastern Siberia, Summer 1992”
(Free to read via Kindle Unlimited)

gfloyd · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 7:15 am Post subject:

Rachel · Guest

Cherskiy · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 11:27 am Post subject:

Some high streets - especially suburban ones like mine in Gosforth - have developed into a string of estate agents, building societies, charity shops and hair stylists. The last supermarket pulled out last year and has never been replaced.

Thanks to our 'lets do everything by call centres' culture nowadays, our social networks are being eroded away. Able to do all your business via your PC or the phone, you don't go out - you don't see your neighbours, you have less vested interest in your community. Said community suffers due to an overall lack of interest or knowledge.
_________________
Author: “To the Ends of the Earth: A Snapshot of Aviation in North-Eastern Siberia, Summer 1992”
(Free to read via Kindle Unlimited)

gfloyd · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 11:52 am Post subject:

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

gfloyd · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 12:36 pm Post subject:

Rachel · Guest

How would you feel Ernie, if the same thing happend to Radio. Live broadcasting a thing of the past. Just download a pre-recorded programme. Why bother with all that live nonsense, it's messy and expensive, you have to wait until the programme comes on before you can listen. How out of date is that: let's have an altogether less expensive form of Radio that can be done on-line only; having just the programmes you want, when you want them. No need to tune in.

gfloyd · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 1:40 pm Post subject:

Rachel,
Sounds good. When does it start?
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His name was ernie ........ and he drove the fastest milk cart in the west.....

firewirefred · Guest

That is pretty much how I get my radio content now anyhow. Most of the time I listen to stations all around the world, and also to loads and loads of podcasts on all manner of topics. When you see what is available you realise how lame most of the output of radio 2 actually is. Especially at drivetime!

gfloyd · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 1:47 pm Post subject:

firewirefred · Guest

It certainly is not a top download anywhere near me! I rarely listen to podcasts of radio 2 shows anyhow - they are just cut-downs and not much cop. Better to listen to stuff that has been created for podcasting - bypass old-fashioned radio altogether!

gfloyd · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 1:54 pm Post subject:

firewirefred · Guest

I am very happy for them ernie!

childprufe · Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 212 Location: lincolnshire

Getting back to the subject...
We're told that the less-frequented ones lose £200 million a year .....
that amounts to 12 hours social security payouts.
Surely it is worth that amount not to marginalise and isolate our rural communities.
My local MP, the only Labour MP in Lincolnshire, voted with the government to close these rural post offices while making noises about caring for the community. Lying, hypocritical trough groveller.
Typical of the party.
Rural pubs all closed, local shops all being converted to convenience stores (by that well known Labour fundraising unit, the Co-op), rural transport services slashed and car parking fees in towns soaring to pay for local councillors expenses and now no Post Offices.
Ain't life grand. Mad

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Standing on Ray Moore's shoulders

Cherskiy · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 6:00 am Post subject:

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

Actually a form of road pricing was mooted pre May 1997. My closest motorway was picked on for the 'trial'. Thankfully that government was booted out before it got started. Let us also not forget that closures of post offices, pubs, schools, hospitals etc were also going on apace when the 'hoodie-hugger's' lot were in power. It seems this government has been following a tory agenda.
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Lord Evan Elpuss, Your ideal job is a Lumberjack.

Behind Geddon's Wall · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:45 am Post subject:

Tony Blair's political epitaph

'I out-maggie'd maggie'

Now that he's leaving, can we have out Labour party back?
_________________
Geddon

You simply mustn't blame yourself -- the days were perfect
And so were exactly what I was born to spoil
For I am the Rider to the World's End
Bound across the cinder causeway
From the furnace to the quarry
Through the fields of oil

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

Cherskiy · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 11:30 am Post subject:

pickle · Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 5:23 pm Post subject: Post Office Closure

I find it laughable that Post Office facilities are being let out to WH Smith, when they didn't have the grace to tell me I'd failed to secure a pre-Christmas job with them.
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We made a land where crap is king and the good don't last for long.

'The Good Don't Last', Spock's Beard