Power cut backs up protest (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Power cut backs up protest

8:53am Thursday 21st February 2008 in News By Peggy Clatworthy

A power cut helped protesters get home their message about the proposed closure of Mitton Post office.

Around 200 people queued up outside the post office in Tewkesbury High Street on Saturday morning to demonstrate the effect closing Mitton would have.

At the height of the protest the good-natured queue stretched from the post office almost to Bishop's Walk.

Owner Sukvida Atwell had five members of staff working at four tills to deal with them all when a power cut forced everything to close.

Although it lasted for less than ten minutes it took 40 minutes to re start each till.

Town and Borough Councillor Mike Sztymiak said: "It just proves out point - it is dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket - if you only have one post office and something like this happens everyone is absolutely stuck."

Shirley Dore of Mitton post office said: "It was excellent, we are delighted with the support we are getting from all our customers and friends."

Mr Atwell said: "We would never normally get this many people at one time, especially combined with a power cut - we will be able to cope with the extra business."

There will be a protest outside Mitton Post Office next Saturday at 11am.

Both Mitton and Twyning post offices are threatened with closure.