Couple’s joy as Langton Matravers post office will stay open

7:10pm Friday 21st November 2008

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VILLAGERS in Purbeck are breathing a huge sigh of relief after it was confirmed a vital community lifeline would remain open.

After 14 months of being in limbo, Bob Clyde and Anne Younger, who run the shop and post office at Langton Matravers, have been told that the branch will remain open.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, the Post Office has been tasked by the government to close some 2,500 shops across the country.

In September, the Post Office announced that 22 branches across Dorset would close as part of the nationwide money-saving programme.

Earlier this week the Post Office announced that two more facilities – at Blandford Camp and Buxton Road, Weymouth – would also get the chop after a further review.

But among the gloom there is good news in Langton Matravers.

Bob Clyde said: “It started in August 2007. We were told we would know before Christmas that year.

“Then in the middle of July this year we were told we would be remaining open, subject to a six-week consultation period.

“Then, after that period passed, about 20 days later we got a letter saying we’re going to another consultation period.

“Then we finally found out! It’s good news for us and for the village.”

The government has confirmed this month that it is awarding a contract to Royal Mail for the Post Office Card Account, which should safeguard thousands more branches.

There had been fears that if the contract was not awarded, thousands more post offices could have faced the axe.

Bob added: “It’s also good news that the Post Office is keeping the card account.

“It could have been disastrous, especially for rural post offices.

“That would have resulted in more rural closures. At least this one seems to be done and dusted now and ok.

“It’s quite a relief, especially after what’s been a long period.”