tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-614869156247529828.post-16734016060139706252008-07-01T16:55:00.003+01:002008-07-01T16:57:55.055+01:002008-07-01T16:57:55.055+01:00Dear Customer<br /><br />Post Office Ltd, Network Change Programme<br />Understanding Local Public Consultation for<br />Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire<br /><br />This letter is to draw your attention to actions we have taken to enable disabled people to access information and take part in the consultation process concerning the Network Change Programme.<br /><br />The Government has recognised that fewer people are using Post Office® branches, partly because traditional services, including benefit payments and other services are now available in other ways, such as online or directly through banks. It has concluded that the overall size and shape of the network of Post Office® branches (“the Network”) needs to change.<br /><br />In May 2007, following a national public consultation, the Government announced a range of proposed measures to modernise and reshape the Network and put it on a more stable footing for the future. The Programme will involve the compulsory compensated closure of up to 2,500 Post Office® branches (out of a current Network of 14,300 branches), with the introduction of about 500 service points known as “Outreaches” to mitigate the impact of the proposed closures. Compensation will be paid to those subpostmasters whose branches are compulsorily closed under the Programme.<br /><br />To support the necessary changes to the Network and put it on a more stable footing and to support the reshaped Network of the future, the Government has proposed an investment of up to £1.7bn as a funding package.<br /><br />The majority of Post Office® branches - more than 80% - will not change as a result of the Programme. Post Office Ltd is seeking to implement those changes that do take place as efficiently and sensitively as possible.<br /><br /><strong>Local Public Consultation Methods<br /></strong>We would be grateful if you would encourage your members to take part in the following consultation methods and circulate this letter to any individuals or organisations within the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire Area.<br /><br /><strong>Direct Enquiries<br /></strong>As part of the six week local public consultation period concerning the proposed closures of Post Office® branches in the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire area, Direct Enquiries, the Nationwide Access Register and source of information for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with pushchairs, has conducted an independent access assessment of each of the Post Office branches in the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire Area Plan Proposal. These assessments are published on their website (<a href="http://www.directenquiries.com/">www.directenquiries.com</a>). The website will enable you to search for post offices in any given area and if a branch is proposed for closure, the website will enable you to view your nearest alternative branch.<br /><br />Through Direct Enquiries, you can also take part in the local public consultation about proposed closures in this area by completing a questionnaire at <a href="http://www.directenquiries.com/">www.directenquiries.com</a>. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire. <br /><strong><br />Face to face consultations<br /></strong>There will also be two opportunities to attend a consultation focusing on issues concerning disabled people on:<br /><br />Tuesday 29th July 2008<br />Those interested in attending can choose between an afternoon or evening consultation:<br /><br />2pm - 4pm or 5pm - 7pm<br /><br />The venue is The Arden Hotel, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, B92 0EH, West Midlands<br />The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss your own issues and concerns with the proposed closures for the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire Area Plan.<br /><br />Although it is not essential that people let us know that they are coming, it would be extremely helpful so that we have some idea of numbers. If you are able to let us know, please contact:<br /><br />Jane Thomas, External Relations, Royal Mail Birmingham, St Stephens Street, Birmingham, B6 4AA - <a href="mailto:jane.thomas@royalmail.com">jane.thomas@royalmail.com</a><br /><br />Getting to the venue:<br /><br /><strong>Parking</strong><br />There is parking at the hotel for 350 cars including 6 disabled bays at the front of the hotel. We have however reserved parking for 15 disabled drivers/passengers next to the Henley Suite which will be signposted.<br /><br /><strong>Bus</strong><br />The 900 bus which travels between Birmingham and Coventry stops right outside The Arden Hotel. Alternatively for those travelling from Birmingham the 58 bus stops at the back of the hotel and is a short walk to the entrance.<br /><br /><strong>Train<br /></strong>Trains are available from all Birmingham rail stations (New Street, Snow Hill, Moor Street) and from Coventry station to Birmingham International. The hotel is a five minute walk from the station through Trinity Park although taxis are available from the taxi rank.<br /><br />The Post Office® is able to supply this letter in an alternative format for people who are visually impaired. To obtain a copy, call the Post Office® helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or textphone 08457 22 33 55.Pete Millingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168731271678030818noreply@blogger.com