RESIDENTS have expressed dismay over Australia Post's decision to close its outlet in Ferntree Gully, which they say provides some of the best customer service in Knox.
The Edina Road retail outlet will close on Friday, March 1 but customers will still be able to collect parcels and access post office boxes at the site.
An Australia Post spokeswoman said fewer customer numbers and the close proximity of other post offices forced the closure.
The four staff working at the centre, which was opened in 1996, would be redeployed to nearby business hubs, the spokeswoman said.
Regular users of the outlet said it would be inconvenient to visit the Mountain Gate or Boronia outlets because of difficulties finding parking and what they termed dismal customer service.
Ferntree Gully mother Kath-ryne said the Edina Road site was much better than the shopping centre at Mountain Gate because she could park easily. "It's much easier with the kids here — it's a bad decision, big-time" she said.
When approached by the Weekly, Kathryne was not aware the site was earmarked for closure. As an eBay seller, she said it was more efficient to visit the Edina Road site. "The service is far better. I don't have to line up to buy packages, then pack the goods and then line up again.
"It takes twice as long at Mountain Gate, but here everything is just on the shelves."
Nearby resident Cheryl was also angry at Australia Post's decision. She took part in a letter-drop to hundreds of houses in the area and helped organise a protest that 90 people attended last week. "It's really good service here, and it's nice and happy. I've been happy with the service at Knox," she said.
Geoff, who lives opposite the post office, said the centre was always busy, particularly with elderly customers
"There is a bus [to the Dorset Road post office] but it's like going to another planet for them. It's more awkward for them because they're getting on with age."
An Australia Post spokeswoman said small to medium business customers could use the new Bayswater Business Hub at 332 Jersey Road, Bayswater.
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