The Post Office intends to relocate its business from the present Crown Office in Lendal, York, to the WH Smith store in Coney Street.
I would point out that, in pursuing their national plan to relocate Crown Post Offices in branches of WH Smith, the Post Office seems to have overlooked the fact that Coney Street is part of the York City Centre restricted access zone. No vehicle access is permitted in this area during shopping hours.
Whereas Royal Mail vehicles, security vans and, more important, blue badge holders have access to Lendal at all times, there is simply no such facility in Coney Street between 10.30am and 5.00pm. It is unlikely that the Council would make an exemption for the relocation of the Post Office because such a move would open up the current pedestrian area to vehicle movements during shopping hours. This would not only place pedestrians at risk but would also be in direct contravention to advice received from police and security services when the Council’s Executive approved enhanced City Centre access restrictions earlier this year.
While the Post Office is, of course, fully entitled to pursue its business from anywhere it thinks is appropriate, I should emphasise, as Executive Member for Transport and Planning, that these access restrictions exist and the management of the Post Office need to be aware of that fact.
