Princes Risborough’s ‘Jubilee’ strike
7th June 2012
While people across the UK were holding
"Jubilee" street parties over the weekend, postal workers
at Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire were on picket lines
protesting against the relocation of their delivery office to
another town.
The 24-strong workforce has been campaigning in opposition to Royal
Mail's plans to merge their office with the unit at Aylesbury
Vale some six miles away - a proposal that has sparked protests
from the whole town.
Princes Risborough's elected councillors, the local MP and
residents have all been urging Royal Mail to think again and choose
an alternative building within the town.
A sustained local outcry - including public meetings, protests, a
coach trip to London to hand in a petition to company headquarters
- had persuaded mail bosses to agree to consider the in-town
option.
But CWU area delivery rep Andy Ball
(pictured) explains that, after looking at the alternative, Royal
Mail has refused to change course and has told the town that the
site proposed was "not a viable option" due to the
"the costs involved in redeveloping the site for our
operation."
Town councillor Alan Turner has told local press
that the decision marked "a sad day for Princes Risborough and
I think that Royal Mail have failed to live up to their obligation
in supporting rural communities."
But campaigners disagree with Royal Mail's financial estimate
and insist that the cost of making the in-town site operational
compares well with the Aylesbury Vale plan.
Andy said: "Saturday's protest was well attended and
despite the weather, spirits were high and morale was strong.
"As well as our members and local residents, local councillors
also turned up to show their support. Once again, Princes
Risborough has spoken with one voice and has sent a clear message
to Royal Mail that we want to keep our delivery office in our
town."
Watch video coverage of Princes Risborough staff and members of
the community as they took their campaign to save the delivery
office to London earlier this year.
