3rd February 2012

MERRIOTT: Merriott Post Office under threat

By Marion Draper

OWNERS of the filling station, Post Office and store at Merriott, Phil and Michelle Venn, who are still reeling from a recent attempted burglary at the property, are having to rethink their operation. 

Despite the popularity of the Post Office since they took it over, it is not paying its way in terms of extra staffing requirements, leaving the couple with a dilemma.

Mr Venn said: “We have managed to get our fuel turnover up, through keeping prices down, hence attracting more customers. We appreciate the extra support from our customers to do this; which hopefully will keep Texaco happy and we may get a reasonable deal from them next January when our contract is up for renewal.

Unfortunately trade in the shop has not increased by any extent, so it is not helping us, as profits on the fuel have obviously decreased through lowering prices. This is a concern as it is difficult times for any business, with people guarding how much they spend. 

“Our other issue is the Post Office. We enjoy providing the service and it is a communal hub for much of the village at times. However, it is costing us money to provide this service. Every month we are losing money, as we get far less in remuneration from Post Office Ltd than we pay our staff that run it. This wasn’t such a problem when the rest of the business was performing well but since fuel prices have continually risen, the business has suffered badly.

“The problem lies in the fact that a Post Office local is designed to be run by the existing staff of a small shop, not by employing extra staff, then it would be a small extra income for the business. That is not possible with our business because our shop and forecourt is too busy to be able to run the Post Office with the same staff and the petrol forecourt has to be monitored closely at all times.

“We have talked with a Post Office representative with regard to getting increased remuneration, to no avail. He said that we should be able to run it without extra staff, and no extra can be paid.

“We have had a meeting with David Laws MP who has taken details and is going to explore all avenues to see if anything can be done to improve matters. If nothing can be done we do not want to close the Post Office, because we feel the village needs it; but something will have to change.

“We welcome any letters to David Laws about this - every little helps - as they say. (These can be dropped into our garage to forward to him if you prefer).

Finally, we would like to thank all the villagers who offered help and support after the robbery at our premises recently. It is comforting that people are supportive during difficult times. Thank you.”

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