New base for Bingham Post Office

A Post Office is set to move from its out-of-town location to the town centre, despite concerns over a lack of parking.

Bingham Post Office will close its Nottingham Road branch and open new, modernised premises with extended opening hours, at the former Wool-Mart, Union Street.

In a letter to the town clerk, Mrs Lynn Holland, post office regional network manager Mr Adrian Wales said most of the feedback they received was supportive, with customers welcoming the fact it was moving to a more central location.

It said many customers believed the move would allow easier parking and provide more spacious premises.

However, town councillor Mr Alan Harvey expressed concerns about the lack of available parking nearby.

There are carparks at Newgate Street, Needham Street and Union Street and on streets in the town centre but studies have shown these are taken up by long-term parking.

Mr Harvey said there had been an increase in the number of people delivering and collecting parcels sold online, which meant people drove to the post office.

He was concerned about where Royal Mail vans would park, saying it would cause problems if they parked on Union Street.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of a bus stop outside the new post office, as there is at Nottingham Road, but some town councillors welcomed the fact it was moving to the town centre.

Mr Wales said in his letter: “While I have considered the concerns about parking and the narrow street at the new location, it is fair to say that this is a problem faced generally in many town centre locations nationwide.

“As I am sure you will understand, street and pavement widths and the availability of parking spaces are issues outside of the direct control of Post Office Limited.”

Mr Wales said he had conducted a further review into parking and found that there were two carparks within 30 metres of the store as well as public transport.

“I am satisfied that the new branch will remain accessible and that the move will not significantly impact on customers using the Post Office,” he said.

The new branch will have extended opening hours, from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, offering an extra five hours of service every Saturday afternoon.

Posters will be displayed in the Nottingham Road branch soon with the date of the move.

Wool-Mart owner Mrs Joan Snowdan has retired and the shop has now closed.