Proposal to move Seaton Post Office now being consulted on
The Post Office would move to WHSmith Local, 19 Harbour Road. Opening hours would be the same except on Saturday, when it would be open until 5.30 pm. Some services would also be available at the retail counter, including on Sundays from 7 am to 4 pm. Currently, wheelchair access is an issue, but ‘a permanent ramp with handrails would be installed’ – this needs doing before the switch – and ‘internally, there would be a hearing loop and space for a wheelchair’.
The better opening hours are an advantage but parking will be a problem: the consultation document points people to the pay & display on the seafront, but I think people will be reluctant to pay while popping in to the Post Office. The lack of on-street parking is likely to lead to more cars on the double yellow lines on Harbour Road.
There is also a downside for the town centre: I know when I park on-street to go to the current PO, I’m more likely to pop into shops in Queen Street, Fore Street and Cross Street. Harbour Road isn’t far from these, but if you’re parking on double yellows to go into the PO, you won’t be going – uphill – to the town centre shops.
What do you think? You can access the proposals HERE, where it also tells you how to send your views to the consultation, which you must do by 15 September. Remember Costcutter is closing and it’s vital that we keep a PO in Seaton town centre.
Seaton & Colyton MATTERS 