On Thursday, 6 March, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP met with Michael Hogg, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Royal Mail, and Richard Carter, Regional Operations Manager, regarding the planned closure of the Grassington Sorting Office. The meeting addressed the impact of the closure on local residents, job security, and the challenges posed by increasing parcel volumes.
During the meeting Julian made representations on behalf of the community, emphasising that the Grassington Sorting Office is a vital service for one of the most rural areas. Julian also expressed his concerns about the potential negative impact on local residents, some of whom may have difficulties with travel, and will have to make the journey to Skipton - where the office and staff will be moved - in order to collect mail that cannot be delivered.
Commenting on the meeting, Julian said, “I remain deeply disappointed by the decision to close Grassington Sorting Office. This office provides an essential service to many local residents in one of the most rural areas. I have made strong representations to Royal Mail and I will continue to engage with them, the Communication Workers Union and North Yorkshire Councillor Richard Foster to raise resident's and worker’s concerns.”
The decision to close the Sorting Office is set for the summer, coinciding with lower mail traffic.
Photo Credit: Image of Grassington Sorting Office, sourced from Google Maps Street View, July 2023.
