Newport sorting office will close its doors for the final time in January, it was revealed this week.
Staff at the High Street office were informed of the decision by Royal Mail’s district delivery manager yesterday morning.
Operations will merge with Oakengates sorting office from January 17.
The 28 members of staff from the Newport office will have to make the 36 mile round journey each day – though they will receive mileage payments to cover the cost.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “There will not be any compulsory redundancies as a result of this move and staff will enjoy a better working environment.
“Royal Mail will also reimburse its people for any extra mileage incurred as a result of the move.”
Royal Mail will send letters to all residents in Newport informing them of the decision.
Undelivered mail will be available to pick up at Newport post office, on High Street. But the Advertiser understands that there will be a charge.
The decision to re-locate follows months of speculation and 4,000 signatures on a petition against the proposals. Newport Town Councillor Phil Norton said he was disgusted.
He said: “I think it’s an absurd decision. It will have a massive impact on the surrounding area.
“Elderly people will have the choice of travelling to Oakengates to collect mail or paying to pick it up at Newport.
“I think that plain wrong. It’s not about serving the people any more, it’s about money. The personal touch of post has gone. I find it appalling.”
And councillor Norton questioned whether mileage claims would last.
He added: “They usually do that but only pay for two years.”
Royal Mail is now likely to look to sell the current site.
Questions have also been raised about whether the Oakengates site is large enough to accommodate the extra workload. Delivery times are also likely to be later.
Councillor Sian Walker also expressed her anger.
She said: “It’s bureaucracy gone mad. It’s going to affect the elderly and the vulnerable in the society. And it’s bad for the environment if we are making extra journeys to Oakengates.”
Councillor Tim Nelson added: “Do I want this to happen? No. But it’s economics.”
by Sean Wozencroft