South Leeds postal delivery office to close despite campaign to keep it open

The relocation follows months of discussions with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and staff in both offices.

The move is expected to take place in the summer, and the final date will be confirmed nearer the time.

Detailed planning is now underway to help ensure a smooth transition.

Royal Mail said in a statement: “There will be no impact on deliveries to our customers as a result of this move. The postmen and women who work in Holbeck delivery office will continue to serve the local community, delivering a high quality service to our customers.

“If customers choose to collect mail from us because they were not at home when we tried to deliver it, they will be able to do this from the customer service point at Leeds City delivery office. This will be open considerably longer than the office at Holbeck, including until 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The office is also open on Sundays.”

Dozens of campaigners gathered in Beeston in October last year to protest against the closure plans.

Andy Lee, secretary for the Communications Workers Union’s Leeds No 1 branch, told the Yorkshire Evening Post at the time: “How does it improve services for the local area if it’s is moving out of the local area? And to a place that is inaccessible to people with no transport. It makes no sense.”

Reacting to the closure announcement today, Asghar Khan, political officer for the CWU Leeds No 1 branch, said confirmation of the relocation was a “huge disappointment”, adding that some people would have to catch two buses to get to the city centre or Armley delivery offices.

He said Royal Mail “havent listened to the local residents, the staff or elected representatives”, including Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn, who had raised the matter in Parliament.