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2016.11.01
3.2. Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the post office at Five Oaks: [9692]
Further to the announcement that the post office at Five Oaks may be closed, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that a post office is maintained in the area?
Connétable J.M. Refault of St. Peter (Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources -
rapporteur):
Neither the Minister for Treasury and Resources nor I have an operational role to play in the ongoing business of Jersey Post. While it is acknowledged that it is a wholly-owned incorporated entity of the States of Jersey it has its own board of directors approved by this Assembly that provide operational projections to its executive. Therefore, as Members would expect, a matter of providing a post office in Five Oaks is purely a matter for Jersey Post. However, to assist the good Deputy I can assure him that Jersey Post are conscious that the post office at Five Oaks is very much part of the community and are very disappointed that the service can no longer continue within its current location. The decision to close the existing post office has resulted from the current leaseholder choosing not to renew their lease on the property and at very short notice, rather than Jersey Post electing to discontinue that service. In conclusion, we are advised by and are confident that Jersey Post is taking all appropriate and urgent action to try and find an acceptable alternative solution.
3.2.1 Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I have had communication from the chief executive of Jersey Post, for which I am most grateful; also the Constable of St. Saviour has been very active in this regard. But does the Assistant Minister not agree that a post office at Five Oaks servicing Victoria Cottage homes, the new Langtry Gardens estate and the whole surrounding area is a vital service for the area?
The Connétable of St. Peter :
Certainly. The Minister for Treasury and Resources and I are very conscious of that concern, as are Jersey Post. They have been, within days of being notified, out talking to many businesses in the Five Oaks area in the hope that one may even take over the service on a temporary basis, particularly as we are now approaching the busiest part of the year for Jersey Post and would have potentially a negative effect on their business. They are extremely focused in finding a solution, even if it is only a temporary one in the short term,