Waltham Chase postmaster nominated for Post Office's Local Hero award for coronavirus pandemic efforts
WALTHAM Chase Post Office’s postmaster has been recognised for ‘going the extra mile’ in supporting the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.
The branch manager has been selected as a finalist in the Post Office’s South East ‘We’re Stronger Together’ awards which recognises postmasters across the region who remained open to serve people in their communities during the national crisis.
Waltham Chase postmaster, Adrian Segovia, has been nominated in the Local Hero category for his dedication in keeping the branch stocked with vital supplies, maintaining services and even delivering food and parcels to vulnerable villagers.
Post Office area manager, Andy Pitts, said: ‘Adrian was nominated for the Local Hero award for sticking by his customers during the coronavirus pandemic. Adrian kept his shop supplied with all manner of goods during the pandemic, keeping the village fed and watered.
‘Even when flour was short, Adrian was buying 20kg bags and putting them in smaller ones for his customers. In addition to keeping his shop and branch open he has run deliveries for vulnerable customers and has continually updated the community on developments through social media.’
It was a sentiment shared by Post Office chief executive, Nick Read, who also highlighted the pivotal role of the region’s Post Offices in enabling communities to prosper as they emerge from the pandemic.
Nick added: ‘I have heard many inspiring stories of postmasters going the extra mile and I have welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how postmasters in the South East have fared during the pandemic - including Waltham Chase.
‘All retailers have been affected and the Post Office was no exception. The next few weeks and months will be a critical period as we try and return to a sense of normality. Post Office branches have a vital role to play in supporting their customers and communities as well as helping small businesses and independent retailers get back on their feet.’
Nick highlighted important Post Office services including a ‘Drop and Go’ parcel facility, access to business bank accounts and foreign currency exchange services.