Shock at threat to 70-year-old Post Office branch in Handsworth Wood

Jul 2 2008 By Poppy Brady

THERE’S been a popular post office in Handsworth Wood for more than 70 years and it’s as well used by customers today as it was when it first opened its doors in 1936.

Coopers Road branch opened when the area’s Cherry Orchard estate was built. Many residents were shocked to learn that it is one of 26 across Birmingham earmarked for closure in the current Post Office cull.

But everyone was united in the Birmingham Mail’s support for the campaign and said they would sign petitions and make their feelings known.

Security officer Prem Mattu, aged 58, from Handsworth Wood, said: “I use this post office on a daily basis to post things for work. The nearest two branches from here are a mile away where the queues are longer and you can’t park.”

Les Sheen, aged 60, from Handsworth Wood, who works in the shop at the front of the post office, said: “We have one elderly customer who struggles over the road each day to shop here. What is going to happen to him and many others like him on this?

While fellow trader Debbie Pinson, aged 41, who is a counter assistant at the chemist’s shop next door, said: “I use the post office every day on both a personal and business level. This is a good little parade of shops but it will affect us all if the post office goes.”

Heating engineer Roy Hutchinson, aged 48, from Handsworth Wood, said: “I can’t believe they are talking about closing this branch. Why would they when it’s so well used by everyone?

“It just doesn’t make sense.”

Support worker Paula Brown, from Handsworth, added: “I work just up the road but I’m always nipping down here because it’s so convenient. It’s a well run, efficient shop with excellent staff.”

Schoolgirl Mandeep Panesar, aged 18, who has just completed her A-levels at Hamstead Hall School, said: “It’s so convenient to come here.”

Coun Narinder Kaur Kooner, (Lab, Handsworth Wood) said: “There’s a lot of local concern about this because we have a large elderly population who are going to really suffer.”