East Pines Post Office

Pleasant staff plus everything in place for Social Distancing.

Ruth and Teresa (or Dorita as my 86 year old hard of hearing mum misheard her name) have been absolute pillars of support through the pandemic and ongoing issues for this unpaid carer and her elderly mum. No matter how busy the branch -within an already popular shop - gets, and no matter how many parcels they are dealing with or other inquiries, they always find time to smile and ask "how are you?" I worried that the Post Office would lose something of its community identity when branches were acquired or merged into corner shops and the like - I shouldn't have worried. My only fear is the systematic removal by the Whitehall bean counters and others of services long associated with the Post Office - because many are not only digitally excluded but socially excluded and being able to conduct more business at a local branch meant a trip out too and a friendly face and brief chat. I note that the Post Office has bridged much of the gap left by the closure of high street banks and building societies - and the non appearance in many towns and cities of so called 'bank hubs' called for by community campaigners. Being able to pay into a bank or get a balance or withdraw cash has been a boon via the post office. I'm just hoping this valuable community service is permitted to continue.