As reported in tonight's Evening Telegraph, following discussions I have had with the City Council’s Chief Executive, it has been agreed that Royal Mail’s decision to close the Crichton Street Collection Office will be the subject of a debate at the City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee at its first meeting after the council’s summer recess (Monday 22nd August).
I am pleased that we will have the opportunity to debate this matter at the City Council as I believe Royal Mail’s decision will be very detrimental to many Dundee customers who use the City Centre facility and the company has really failed to properly consult with local customers on the matter.
As I have already pointed out, I am particularly concerned about the problems this closure will have on local people who rely on public transport. Although the Edward Street depot is handy for some West End residents in the Blackness and Milnbank area, for many West End residents it is not a convenient location. It is not an easy walk for an elderly person travelling by bus. From both the 17 and 22 services' routes, the walk is hilly in places.
People in the large DD2 area in the West End and elsewhere in Dundee West and the DD3 area elsewhere in the west of the city will have to use the Baird Avenue facility. Baird Avenue is utterly hopeless if you rely on public transport.
If Royal Mail felt that the Crichton Street office needed to be replaced, it should have looked for another City Centre location. The crucial point is that this office is extremely well situated in terms of public transport and, by comparison, the alternatives are poorly served by public transport. Its loss is a real blow to many Royal Mail customers and many of my constituents will be significantly inconvenienced by it.
Unfortunately, Royal Mail has thus far been unwilling to listen to the arguments in favour of keeping Crichton Street open. That is very disappointing indeed and I hope we get strong cross-party support at the Policy & Resources Committee that will show Royal Mail the strength of feeling across the city on this matter.