Clash Over Machynlleth Post Office Downgrade Sparks Outrage

Staff and protestors confronted management last week regarding plans to downgrade services at the Machynlleth Post Office. On December 3, 2023, four senior officials from AF Blakemore & Sons Ltd, which operates the store housing the Post Office, met with staff to discuss the reduction of service from two desks to one. This change is set to take effect in January and will also limit certain services available to the community.

Outside the Spar convenience store, a group of protestors assembled to voice their concerns. Carrying signs and a petition signed by over 700 residents, they aimed to highlight the negative impact the proposed changes would have on the local community. Among the protestors was Cassian Lodge, a Machynlleth resident who uses a wheelchair. Lodge illustrated the challenges posed by the changes, explaining that accessing essential services like passports and identification would require a three-hour journey by train, compared to the current 30-minute travel time.

Lodge expressed frustration over the decision, stating, “It seems like the decision was made by someone who has never actually been to this Post Office.” This sentiment was echoed by staff members who reported high levels of emotional distress during the meeting, with at least one employee in tears. Workers expressed their concerns about the lack of clear communication from upper management regarding the proposed changes.

In November, AF Blakemore announced plans to transition the Machynlleth Post Office from a ‘Main Post Office’ to a ‘Local Post Office counter’. This change would entail closing the two desks at the rear of the store and relocating the Post Office services to the front till area. While most services, including postage and banking, will remain unchanged, the new set-up will extend operational hours from 9-5pm Monday to Friday and 9-1pm on Saturdays to 8-8pm seven days a week.

Jenny Sutton, a local community leader, has been vocal in her opposition to the downgrade. She raised concerns about the well-being of staff and the potential for reduced working hours due to the new arrangement. After attending the meeting between staff and management, Sutton noted, “They acknowledged the concerns for local businesses and the difficulties of moving the counter to the front of the shop.”

Both staff and protestors claimed management agreed to pause the implementation of the changes. However, AF Blakemore has not officially confirmed this development. One staff member expressed skepticism, stating, “I made it very clear that I was having a tough time believing them.”

Despite multiple requests for comment, AF Blakemore & Sons Ltd has yet to respond. The community remains on edge as discussions continue around the future of the Machynlleth Post Office and its impact on local residents.