If, as we are led to believe, the fundamental reasoning behind the closures is to save money, we have to question the decision to include the aforementioned branches on the list.

They are almost certainly profitable businesses, and common sense (an attribute that does not seem to appeal to those in central, or local government) dictates that they remain open, and the loss- making branches should close.

We, in West Town, are told that Netherton, Gladstone Street and the city centre post offices should be considered as suitable alternatives. This may be an option for those of us who are mobile, but certainly not for the aged or infirm.

I have included the present Church Street branch on the alternative list, but this begs another fundamental question.

Peterborough City Council seems hell-bent on demolishing the Norwich Union building (it is not the Corn Exchange, that was pulled down years ago to make way for the present concrete monstrosity) and throwing the post office, and the other businesses, out on the street.

If the central post office branch is forced to accept additional business resulting from the closure of three local branches, then it is imperative that its new location and size be capable of dealing with an influx of new customers.

We are all aware that the present Church Street branch seems to be incapable of coping satisfactorily with the current demand. Not increasing its size, and level of resources, when relocated will be yet another planning disaster for the city.

There is a large, relatively new, empty building on the corner of Wentworth Street and Bridge Street, directly opposite the town hall.

I would suggest that when our city councillors are staring out of their office windows across the street, and seeking inspiration, perhaps they ought to look no further for the future home of the central post office.
ROGER JACKSON
Mayor's Walk,
West Town,
Peterborough

Hands Off Our Post Offices: Have your say and help save your local post office

Play centres are important
So the city council has over-spent on its children's department budget and is looking at cutting back on play centres.

Surely this budget should be paramount to ensure safe and supervised play?

In these days of assaults, stabbings, and anti-social behaviour, we should get as many children as possible to participate in these schemes – not deny them on cost.

Maybe if the council cut the budget on harebrained schemes, such as graffiti boards in Orton Goldhay, and fancy white lines painted in Malborne Way – which have had zero effect on traffic and speed – then it might be able to fund a realistic budget for the safety and education of children.
G SMITH
via e-mail

Parking charges will cause problems
For many years, I have visited Chapel St Leonards, near Skegness, several times each summer.

When I first went there, the council car park was in a poor condition, but allowed free parking.