At tonight's City Council meetings, I raised concerns at the Policy & Resources Committee about the recent decision of Royal Mail Group to close its Crichton Street Enquiry Office and relocate its functions, from 29th August to the Edward Street Delivery Office for customers living in the DD1 postal area, and from 5th September to the Dundee West Delivery Office, Baird Avenue, for customers living in the DD2 and DD3 postal areas.
I highlighted the many concerns raised by customers that, given that the Crichton Street Enquiry Office is a very central facility in the city and the alternative facilities are not located in the city centre, this will have a detrimental impact on customers, particularly those who rely on public transport to visit Royal Mail facilities.
My motion asked the council's Chief Executive to write to the Director of Scottish Affairs, Royal Mail Group, outlining the City Council’s concerns at the decision to close the Crichton Street Enquiry Office, requesting that Royal Mail Group postpones the Crichton Street Enquiry Office closure pending further discussion with the City Council and invites the Director of Scottish Affairs, Royal Mail Group, to meet with the Chief Executive and City Councillors on the matter. The motion was unanimously agreed, with an addition from the Convener about the consultation process. I was pleased to mention that DD One, the City Centre's Business voice, has contacted me, voicing its support for the campaign to save the Crichton Street collection office.
What was important tonight was that the City Council spoke with one voice over the proposed closure of an accessible Royal Mail facility and it was good to see all-party support on the matter.
At the same committee, I asked a question about the sustainability of jobs for Dundee citizens under the Employability Programme.
At the Housing Committee, I asked about improving tenant satisfaction with the Housing Department's performance and at City Development Committee, I praised the continuing great performance by the street lighting partnership.