The Consignia boss behind the decision to close East Croydon Post Office faces up to 200 angry residents and politicians this week.

At a public meeting on the closure in Addiscombe Grove tonight (Thursday, December 6), regional manager Kevin Ray will face accusations that the decision to close the Crown office in Addiscombe Road was made hastily and without taking into account its commercial potential.

The company announced last month that it was considering the closure as part of a nationwide cost-cutting plan, on the grounds that the office has had a steady decline in business.

Croydon Central MP Geraint Davies, who has contacted the trade and industry minister Douglas Alexander with ideas for making a go of the branch, believes that a rumoured proposal by South Central to add one or two extra platforms at East Croydon Station could be crucial to the future of the office, which stands just next door.

He said if the proposal goes ahead, not only would that imply an increase in potential business, but could mean some of the station's shops - which as a result of an extension may be forced out of the station - might be interested in teaming up with the post office on a business strategy. "This kind of extension would clearly involve having to add another gate to the ticket barrier, as there is severe congestion there as it is," said Mr Davies.

"As a result WH Smith, which occupies the space immediately next to the barriers, may have to move, and perhaps it might consider sharing the post office space in some kind of retail partnership.

"These ideas are just applying some basic rules of modern retail practice and I think Consignia should look at some of the more imaginative options before going ahead with the closure."

Mr Davies also said the post office, in a highly accessible position next to the station, should take advantage of existing potential customers just a stone's throw away at the train and tram interchange.

"Many people don't realise the post office is there, so with some simple eye-catching signage they could turn that around," he said.

Gary Kirkwood, spokesman for Croydon's Communication Workers Union, said he was looking forward to hearing Mr Ray's response.

December 6, 2001 11:00