Wondering why queues for the Post Office have been snaking down Ferndale Road all week?
It seems that new franchise owners Universal Office Equipment (UOE) have decided to close all the automated machines in this store pending a possible refit. The row of checkouts, pictured below, has been cordoned off all week, with no member of staff available under the Let’s Talk sign.
The Ferndale Road branch seems to be running with fewer staff generally despite the evident need. The three on duty – two behind the counter – were obliged to stay late because customers who made it through the doors before closing time (12.30pm on Saturdays) were still waiting to be served at 1pm.
This was despite there being a shorter queue – probably because it was closing time – than those witnessed earlier in the day and during the week.
UOE have taken over the Brixton branch and numerous other directly owned “Crown” Post Offices across London and the South East. The company started out repairing typewriters in 1983 but now describes itself as “an award-winning stationery and gift retailer”.
It won’t be winning many awards in Brixton if it keeps this up.
