Business dream now nightmare
Miles Jermy IT had seemed like the perfect business opportunity, but now life is in limbo for the owner for a closure threatened post office.When Jayne Nicholson took over the branch in Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth, less than two years ago she had no idea there was a shadow hanging over its future.
Miles Jermy
IT had seemed like the perfect business opportunity, but now life is in limbo for the owner for a closure threatened post office.
When Jayne Nicholson took over the branch in Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth, less than two years ago she had no idea there was a shadow hanging over its future.
Taking over seemed like the start of a new life for Jayne, 45, who previously ran a secretarial service in Watford.
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Since then Jayne and mum Sheila have become familiar and friendly faces to the many loyal customers who value the personal service they receive at the Post Office, one of the oldest in the town.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition and supported the Mercury's Save our Post Office campaign at the branch
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Now Jayne and Sheila are anxiously awaiting the results of the six-week public consultation which ends on June 2.
“Life is on hold and I cannot make plans at the moment, but I try not to let it get to me and I am quite a laid-back person and take the attitude that what will be will be,” said Jayne.
“Of course we are still trying to save the post office and are urging all our customers to write in to support us.
“I had a five-hour interview before I was given permission to take over the post office. I asked if there was a possibility it could close and was reassured it would not happen.
“When the business came up for sale it seemed just perfect and a wonderful opportunity, there is a great community here and the people are lovely.”
Stokesby sub-postmaster Rick Sargeant, says he remains unsure what the future holds for the post office he has been running at the Bungalow Stores for the last 18 years.
“I don't have a crystal ball so it is just a question of waiting for the final decision, but I think the shop is unlikely to survive if the post office closes,” he said.
“There is not the footfall here and there has been reasonable support from people in the village, but it is a small place. Some customers accept that they do not use the place enough to justify keeping it open.”
A further seven branches are due to close in and beyond the borough at Lichfield Road and Beresford Road in Yarmouth; Springfield Road, Gorleston; Hickling; Stokesby; West Somerton and Upton
Write to Laura Tarling, Network Development Manager c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, email consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call 08457 223344.
