CROPTHORNE people are seething at Wychavon district councillors' refusal of plans villagers say would save their post office.

The Journal received a string of calls last week, following last Thursday's planning meeting when members voted overwhelmingly against the relocation of the present post office and stores in Main Street to a house in Middle Lane.

Planning officers had recommended refusal on safety grounds, saying Middle Lane was unsuitable for extra traffic, there would be poor visibility and the loss of passing trade may lead to the new venture becoming unviable.

District councillor for the village, Councillor Alan Lee said: "This is quite an issue in our village.

"I commend the applicants for attempting to keep a post office in the village but there is no way I can support it.

"Since the last committee meeting I have used Middle Lane myself to make my own mind up and what I have seen and witnessed at the bottom of the lane confirms my view."

Kim Summers applied for permission to build a single storey extension to the side of her house to accommodate the post office after the present shopkeepers in Main Street announced they were retiring.

Mrs Summers said: "In turning down our plans Wychavon has decided that there should be no post office and stores in Cropthorne which also serves Charlton and surrounding villages, despite many letters of support.

"No doubt the people who were against the relocation will help the elderly and disabled who find it difficult to get out and about to get their benefits and shopping."

After the planning meeting a number of angry villagers contacted the Journal.

Kate Castle said: "My husband Ernest and I are 80 and do not drive great distances, and soon we will not drive at all.

"We know our pensions can be paid into the bank but we have to get into town to get cash. We would rather have a post office in Middle Lane than none at all."

John Orchard, 78 said: "The decision is absolutely disgusting and disgraceful. The whole thing has been handled badly.

"We elected a district councillor to represent our views and we do not think he has represented us at all."

Jennifer Ayliffe said: "My mother, father and mother-in-law all live in the village, are pensioners and use the shop regularly.

"Wychavon is not listening. Middle Lane would actually be safer than where the present post office is situated in Main Street near a school.

"People drive much more slowly in Middle Lane because it is winding. In Main Street parent parking outside the school is a real problem and, because it is wider, motorists continually speed."