MANY residents were under a misconception that Newton Abbot Town Council did not want a sub-post office in the Costcutter store in Queen Street. The town's deputy mayor, Cllr Daphne Watts, who is also chairman of the council's post office sub-committee which is fighting plans to close the main post office in Market Walk, said: 'Let's knock that one right on the head once and for all'. She said: 'Everyone welcomes the opening of the sub-post office in Costcutter which has replaced the Queen Street sub-post office which closed two years ago. 'We have no objection and are fully supportive of it. We recognise it is a much needed facility which has been missed for too long at this end of the town. 'It is needed, but it is also vital the main post office in the town centre remains.' That was proved on the first Monday of this month when a survey carried out by the council revealed that 853 people visited the main post office in four-and-three-quarter hours and during the same period on the Wednesday there were 876. It was the latest survey carried out by councillors and volunteers who have been fighting for 18 months to keep the PO open. Conducted from April 3-8, on the Saturday between 9am-12.15pm there were 749 customers. Cllr Watts admitted they were incredible figures. It is the third survey the council has undertaken as it builds its case to back Teignbridge Council at a planning inquiry in Forde House, Newton Abbot, on August 15 and 16. The inquiry follows an appeal by Costcutter against the district authority's refusal of planning permission, mainly on highway grounds, for the main PO to transfer to the Costcutter store under franchise. In February, Costcutter opened the two position sub-post office at the front of the shop, a much-needed replacement for the former Queen Street sub-post office. At the same time, more than a mile away, the Decoy sub-post office shut its doors. The main post office was due to have closed in March last year, but the fight has been on for 18 months for its retention. A survey had also been carried out for a couple of hours on a Saturday outside Costcutter, which showed 150 people going in, a third of whom were using the PO. 'What was of concern was that businesses at that end of the town seemed to be under the impression we wanted it closed down. That is not the case. We are fully supportive of the sub-post office there whether it is in Costcutter or wherever. 'We welcome the diversity and attractiveness of the businesses at this end of the town. 'Shopmobility has been surveyed, and those who come into the town on the ring and ride service fear if the main PO closed they would have very little time left after getting to Queen Street and back to the centre. 'I think those with a disability will have a real problem,' said Cllr Watts. At the two day inquiry in August residents can go along and ask to speak.
