Leaflet charge u-turn

THE Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has climbed down after asking post offices to pay £120 a year to distribute its timetables.

A letter outlining the charge, sent across the borough and Greater Manchester, had caused widespread anger.

But now in a second letter, Michael Renshaw, the GMPTE’s interim service delivery director, has apologised for any confusion and concern it may have caused.

His response came after Oldham councillor Richard Knowles launched an investigation.

Councillor Knowles, chairman of the development and operations committee of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA), said the original letter was also sent to libraries and tourist information centres.

He said today: “I am meeting GMPTE’s senior management asking why this proposal was not put to GMITA. I want to know who authorised the original letter, and what action has, or is, being taken.”

Despite the apology, Saddleworth post offices were still unhappy about the original suggestion.

Suhki Singh, sub-postmaster at Dobcross, said: “It sends out the wrong signals to people who have helped get their information into the hands of passengers. It makes them look as if they can’t run a business.”

Greenfield sub-postmistress, Mandy Gorey, said: “They should not be asking anyone to pay them for distributing their timetables.”

The new letter from Mr Renshaw says: “We have not reached any conclusion as to how present arrangements could be revised or improved. Any proposal would be presented to GMITA for its consideration prior to any changes being adopted.

“I would reiterate that current arrangements will continue until such time as any revision as been approved by GMITA.”