Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove residents fighting for post office

The mayor of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, Nat Hutchings, says the political route may be the only option left in the battle to reopen a post office in the community.

The business that hosted the former post office closed more than a year ago, and Hutchings said no one is interested in taking it on.

He said Canada Post was looking for someone to operate the post office, but for only 20 hours-a-week.

With wages at roughly $20 per hour, Hutchings said no one has shown interest.

Discussions with the Crown corporation have gone nowhere, Hutchings said.

"The only thing that I think, with the election coming up in October, is try to get a campaign on the go with Ryan Cleary, or Seamus O'Regan, whoever is going to run for the Conservatives, and see can they put a push to get the post office back," Htuchings said.

"It is an issue in the community. Hopefully, someone will listen."

Hutchings said people have to rely on temporary community mailboxes to receive mail, but they have to drive to the St. John's neighbourhood of Goulds for other services.

Meanwhile, Canada Post said it wants to meet with the mayor to discuss a suitable solution.