Sorting office granted a reprieve

THE Royal Mail sorting office at Lymm has been granted a stay of execution.
Staff – who have voted unanimously in favour of strike action over closure plans – will not now be expected to transfer to Altrincham on July 14.
Talks have started between their union, the Communication Workers Union – and Royal Mail bosses to try and find an alternative site in Lymm.
The 14 staff have voted in favour of a strike, although no date has been fixed.
But union branch secretary Dave Kennedy says the vote demonstrates the strength of local feeling.
He said: “We have repeatedly said we believe closing this office will rip the heart of the postal service in Lymm.
“Discussions are taking place to try and find an alternative site in Lymm, but similar talks were held two years ago without success.”
Lymm Parish Council has already written to Royal Mail to complain about the proposed closure, saying there has been no consultation and that the move would hit the quality of the service.
A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail’s delivery office in Bridgewater Street, Lymm, was scheduled to relocate to Welman Way, Altrincham, on Monday July 14.
“The premises in Lymm are no longer fit for purpose for either our staff or for our operational requirements because of inadequate access, space and facilities.
“The facilities at Altrincham provide better, safer and healthier working conditions for our staff.
“However, the landlord of the existing premises in Lymm has agreed to an extension of our lease so the relocation will be postponed to allow Royal Mail to carry out a full feasibility study of a potential new site in Lymm.”