Town rallies to save post office

CUMBERLAND, R.I.—Neighbors and union leaders on Friday held a protest over the possible closing of Cumberland’s Valley Falls post office.

The U.S. Postal Service is proposing to close down hundreds of branches across the country.

Residents said the Valley Falls branch is busy and that closing it down would be a disservice to the community.

Ronald Mathieu, president of American Postal Workers Union Local 387, said closing the branch, which is located on 197 Broad St., doesn’t make any sense.

“This post office is generating revenue. They’re in the black. They’re making money,“ he said.

Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee, who demonstrated along with George Nee of the AFL-CIO, said the branch does a lot for the local economy.

“First, we’re working very hard with Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cumberland to revitalize the Broad Street area. That’s why it’s so important we keep the Broad Street presence for that matter any viable organization or business that is operating,“ he said.

McKee said he’s contacted U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy’s office and asked him to press the Post Office administration to keep the branch open.

No decisions have been made yet.