THE United States Postal Service has abruptly shut down one of its offices over safety concerns that saw customers forced to leave.
Officials have confirmed that the Logan Post Office in West Virginia has been closed for the foreseeable future after uncovering a safety hazard.
Little detail has been given but a sewage issue was uncovered leading to dangerous conditions for employees and customers.
USPS said there were “unsafe conditions in the building”.
The City of Logan Mayor Serafino Nolletti told local outlet WSAZ that his office was informed of the hazard on Wednesday.
USPS was immediately informed and city officials are working to resolve the situation.
He added that his office is still waiting to hear from USPS about the plan moving forward.
In the meantime, the postal service has directed customers to another location.
According to a USPS representative, customers have the option to retrieve their mail at the Stollings Post Office located at 768 Hanging Rock Highway, which is approximately two miles from the Logan post office.
According to WVOW Radio, issues emerged at the 90-year-old building after heavy rains hit the area in February.
It saw employees forced to deal with flooding and draining issues which has now impacted the sewage.
Nolletti noted that the building’s basement “was built as a bomb shelter and all those basements get water”.
“We filed a claim with our insurance people on the post office’s behalf,” he added.
The mayor also said that a plan is in place to protect the building from future flooding issues.
But locals are fuming about the problem and the replacement post office.
Logan resident Scott Adkins told WYMT: “I have to go the post office two or three times a day, so instead of walking, now I have to get a vehicle.
“It’s gonna be a hassle…but we have to do what we have to.
“They have to make it safe for the employees here.”
“It’s messed up,” another added, “I couldn’t get my mail.”
“I’m surprised that they have to take the mail system out of downtown Logan,” a third wrote.
“It’s gonna be a huge inconvenience to have get into a vehicle and drive to Stollings.”
It is not yet known when the post office will be able to reopen.
