Last month, I raised concerns about the proposal by Royal Mail to close the 'undelivered mail collection centre' in Crichton Street and transfer the service to the Edward Street depot, pointing out that, although the Edward Street depot is handy for some West End residents in the Blackness/Milnbank area, for many West End residents it is not a convenient location.
I wrote to Royal Mail about this and have now received this response :
Dear Councillor Macpherson
RELOCATION OF SERVICE FROM THE CRICHTON STREET COLLECTION OFFICE, DUNDEE
Following recent press coverage in the Dundee Courier on plans to close Crichton Street collection office, I am writing to update you on this matter.
Royal Mail is currently intending to relocate the service we provide from the collection office in Crichton Street to Dundee Central and Dundee West Delivery Offices.
With the increase in online shopping and parcel deliveries, the office in Crichton Street is no longer fit for purpose and is not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. Royal Mail also needs to make sure that it is as efficient as possible in the current climate.
Royal Mail also intends to increase opening times at the Dundee West Office in Baird Avenue and the Dundee Central Office in Edward Street. We will also improve our posting facilities for business and social customers in Dundee city centre.
Planning is at the very early stages, with any move not talking place until March 2011. We have already had discussions with our four members of staff who will be affected and we will be working closely with the Communications Workers Union throughout the process. We have also informed out landlords, Dundee City Council, that we intend to move our operation into our existing sites.
I will write to you again once I have further information but in the meantime if you would like to discuss this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Julie Morrison
Head of External Relations
Royal Mail Group
I am not convinced at all that Royal Mail has appreciated that for those in the West End who are not close to Edward Street, especially for those who rely on public transport and, in particular, the elderly, this will cause considerable difficulty. Baird Avenue is a pretty hopeless location for those who rely on public transport.
I am meeting Royal Mail later this month to discuss my concerns with them face to face.