Brooks proudly cuts the ribbon to re-open The Egg Box Post Office

This morning, Brooks Newmark MP was proud to officially re-open The Egg Box Post Office in White Notley with County Cllr Kevin Bentley, Member for Stanway and Pyefleet, Margaret Gallione, Chairman of the District Council, and sub-Postmistress, Mrs. Niki Harrison.

The White Notley Post Office was closed in February 2008 as part of the Post Office Ltd’s nationwide closure programme. However, it has now re-opened inside The Egg Box general store under Essex County Council’s groundbreaking post office initiative. The new facility combines a post office with a village shop, and has been altered for disabled access.

Brooks said, “I am delighted to be here today to re-open The Egg Box Post Office. Rural post offices such as this are so important to local residents, providing not only essential postal services, but also acting as a hub for the local community.

I was very disappointed last year when previously profitable post offices such as this one were closed, with seemingly little thought for the Postmasters and Postmistresses losing their livelihood, and the residents losing vital services.

However, in the unique Essex Post Office Scheme we now have an excellent local solution provided for local people, by local people. This is the second Post Office re-opening I have attended this year, and I look forward to hearing about more re-openings throughout Essex.”

Sub-postmistress, Niki Harrison, said, “It's great news for the community and we are really excited. I would like to say a huge thank you to Essex County Council, my family and all my customers for their support and encouragement.”

Kevin Bentley, deputy to the cabinet member with responsibility for post offices, said, “With no less that three post offices opening this month, it is clear to see that the Essex post office initiative is continuing to gather momentum. Further post office openings will be announced in the New Year once dates have been confirmed.”

Photo: Brooks proudly cuts the ribbon to re-open The Egg Box Post Office