Last updated at 12:46, Friday, 08 March 2013

Maryport's postal sorting office has been saved from the threat of closure.

DECISION WELCOMED: Maryport mayor Peter Kendall

Royal Mail revealed last night that it had decided not to go ahead with a transfer of staff to an expanded sorting office in Workington.

Bob Storey, Royal Mail delivery director, said: “After careful consideration of the key areas involved, a full assessment has been made and we have decided that a merger of the two delivery offices will not progress.

“Providing a consistent and high quality service to our customers in Maryport will continue to be our top priority.”

He said the plans were withdrawn because the move would have a negative effect on mail operations in the Carlisle postal area.

There was an outcry in Maryport when the plan to shut the Solway Industrial Estate depot was revealed.

It would have seen 23 workers transferred to Workington’s Derwent Howe and townsfolk having to travel to Workington to pick up undelivered mail and parcels.

Royal Mail had blamed declining mail volumes and the need to operate efficiently.

A 12-week review was launched with staff and unions.

Peter Kendall, Maryport mayor, said: “With all the closures in Maryport over the past 12 months this is the best news we have had.

“It is nice to see that the Royal Mail has looked at this and that common sense has prevailed.

“We have a population of around 16,000 people here. Why should they have to go to Workington to get a decent service?”

It was revealed in January that Maryport’s JobCentre would close in June.

Meanwhile, Sean Parnaby, managing director of town windows and doors firm West Port, said he was being offered a new site at Lillyhall, Workington, because new premises could not be found in Maryport for his business to expand.

The future of Maryport’s town hall and police station is also uncertain.

First published at 12:44, Friday, 08 March 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk