Snobbish claim denied (From Stroud News and Journal)

Snobbish claim denied

RESIDENTS of Manor Farm, Bussage have been complaining in their droves after it was implied they were being snobbish for listing their address as nearby historic Chalford.

In the SNJ on March 19 we told how delivery drivers have been getting lost in the narrow lanes of Chalford in search of the new hilltop development in Bussage.

Although the new homes have been marketed as part of Chalford, where most of the houses date back centuries, they are geographically nearer to Bussage.

But Bussage residents have pointed out that the use of Chalford in their address was not a personal choice, but a requirement of the Royal Mail and H M Land Registry.

"We have had no say in deciding the address. Protocol dictates that the address is decided by the relevant authorities and lodged with Gloucestershire Land Registry," said John Dyke of Lark Rise.

He also stressed that his property purchase was in no way influenced by its address. "We had no idea that Chalford was considered to be more up-market than Bussage. We bought our house because we liked, not because of it's address," he said.

Chalford Parish Council has suggested the residents of Manor Farm should now use Bussage on their address instead of Chalford.

The council has already changed its own address in Gerald's way, Manor Farm to Bussage.

But Peter Bingham, also of Lark Rise said he has been advised by the Royal Mail to continue to use Chalford.

"All companies using address databases will still insist on using Chalford and delivery men will still be asking directions," he said.

"Before I make any attempt to change my address I will need assurance that all databases will be changed and the council will reimburse my postage costs in notifying everyone."

Royal Mail adviser Marka Rifat said an address management team has been in touch with the parish council to clarify what steps need to be taken.

"We are currently talking with the parish clerk about the difficulties involved in postal alterations and whether a change will be necessary," she said.

"As it stands residents of Manor Farm are correct in using Chalford in their postal address for now."