Council chiefs have been spurred into action following the mystery closure of a Benfleet post office.

Chief executive, Barry Rollinson, has joined the fight to re-open the Hope's Green branch on the High Road, Benfleet, after it closed its doors to the public two months ago.

After prompting from anxious businesses and residents at the Benfleet area forum he sent a letter to the Post Office, demanding Hope's Green be re-opened.

In it he said: "The closure is having a major effect on the local community and is causing difficulties for many local people, particularly our elderly and infirm residents.

"As well as effecting residents it has an impact on businesses in the area with the loss of this vital local service.

"I understand that there are reasons for the closure, but that it is intended to re-open."

Councillor Brian Wilson is also anxious to see the Post Office open its doors once again but believes local businesses could have already suffered due to a fall in passing trade.

He said: "The traders are already living on a knife edge and this could tip them over."

A spokesperson for the Post Office said: "We can confirm the Hope's Green Post Office temporarily closed on Wednesday, February 5, due to operational difficulties which must remain confidential."

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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