POST Office bosses have been accused of running a “hollowed out” service after staffing issues left Colchester’s main branch closed.
The city centre post office, which is in WHSmith in Lion Walk, has faced “short-term staffing issues” which have led to delays for customers in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.
On one day last week, customers were disappointed to find the branch completely closed with signs on display advising it was short-staffed due to sickness.
Pam Cox, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Colchester, has written to Post Office bosses to call for action to tackle the Christmas chaos.
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She said: “This is the busiest time of the year for the Post Office. Managers need to ensure that staffing levels are adequate and that their staff are fully supported during December.
“It seems that this is yet another public service that is being hollowed out and run down under this government.”
Post Office insisted the closure last week was an isolated incident.
A spokesman said: “Colchester Post Office is operated by WHSmith. The branch has been fully open in recent weeks.
“There was one occasion when the branch was closed one morning due to short-term staffing issues, caused by exceptional unforeseen circumstances.”
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