Post office bosses have apologised to Frome MP David Heath for the erratic opening hours and long queues at the town’s threatened post office today. Mr Heath had asked for an explanation of why the service levels at the post office in the Westway precinct had become so poor, following complaints from customers.

Tim Nickolls, the Network Development Manager for the Post Office in the South West, has acknowledged that the service has not been good enough, saying that much of the problem has been associated with the transition from Martin McColls to a temporary operator. A closure this week, for instance, had been because of the need for a detailed audit. However, he promised that service would improve and staffing levels increase as the new operator took over the reins.

Mr Heath said:

“I think people in Frome have had justified complaints when the post office has been closed or when lack of staffing has resulted in queues out into the street. But I am glad that Post Office senior management are both aware of the difficulties and actively seeking to deal with them. The best thing will be when a permanent post office is in place again in Frome town centre, and I’m glad that everyone is working hard to make that happen.”