New P.O. possible

Press, 8 July 1983, Page 5

New P.O. possible

The Post Office would be willing to consider leasing premises in the North New Brighton area if Bowhill Road commercial land was redeveloped for business, the Chief Postmaster, Mr N. J. Williams, has told the Christchurch City Council. Residents have objected to the closing of the suburban post office in Bowhill Road after two armed robberies there. Mr Williams told council representatives this week that the possibility of leased premises could be considered if the Church group which owns the former Ozone Hotel and adjoining commercial properties planned to redevelop the area. He said there was no prospect of Post Office

activities resuming in the existing building. Mr Williams said that the Post Office was willing to arrange for the personal delivery of cash withdrawals to depositors who were aged or immobile when such problems were brought to its attention by the district nurse. After the second robbery, the union had told the Post Office that employees refused to work in the Bowhill Road premises unless extensive alterations were done to make it more secure. The Post Office was unable to provide the $lBO,OOO required for such work and general improvement of the building, and so the branch had been closed. The social aspect of Post Office activities was signifi-

cantly less than it had been a few years ago, especially since superannuation and other welfare payments were made by direct credit to banks.

During the last 15 years, there had been an increasing emphasis on retail and service activities in shopping malls, rather than in suburban shopping centres. That emphasis was more noticeable in Christchurch than other parts of New Zealand.

Because of that, the Post Office had made plans for the future transfer of activities into shopping malls in such areas as Papanui, Riccarton, East Linwood, and Hillmorton.

Councillors said that residents should be told of the meeting’s outcome.