Australia Post plans to close the Licensed Post Office within Lambton Nextra newsagency from 1 May this year.
The news was a shock to owner operator of Lambton Nextra, Trish Firth, whose initial five year contract with Australia Post ended late last year.
“I had heard nothing about the plan to shut the post office until recently. We actually found out through customers, who had heard via local posties, that Australia Post would no longer be having mail delivered from our shop.” Trish said.
“It’s a pretty shabby way to treat a business partner when you think about. No one from Australia Post spoke to me. I found out second hand”.
“I worked tirelessly with Australia Post to reopen this business and have comprehensive post office services returned to Lambton a few years ago. This is the thanks I get from them.”
Since the news broke there has been an outpouring of support from Trish’s customers on local community social media pages. Many are astonished by the news and condemned Australia Post for what is seen as short-sighted business planning.
“We want to thank everyone in the community for their support we’ve had since this decision was made known to us. Millie and I know how important this service is to local people and to the business community of Lambton. It’s vital to the continued prosperity of Elder Street.
“Whether it’s paying a bill, picking up a parcel, applying for a new passport or collecting the mail from one of the 100 post offices boxes we have, there are so many services that our post office counter offers. I don’t want to contemplate an Elder Street where these services aren’t available. The loss of foot traffic to my business and those around us on Elder Street will be immense.”
“I can assure everyone we are doing everything possible to have this decision reversed. We have been in contact with Federal MP Sharon Claydon.” Trish added.
A number of Elder Street businesses have a petition available for signing which already boast hundreds of local signatures.
An area representative for Australia Post was contacted by The Local for comment.
