Talks to restore town centre post office

THE Post Office has confirmed there are two retailers interested in restoring a post office service to the town.

The interested parties have entered into early-stage talks.

A Post Office spokesperson said, “We know how important a post office is to this community and we are working hard to restore service as soon as possible. The vacancy is advertised on our website and we have two interested retailers. Talks are at an early stage.”

The High Street post office in McColl’s closed its doors on 9th January this year – a decision taken by the supermarket giant Morrisons following its buyout of the convenience store and newsagent chain McColl’s in May of last year.

The Post Office added, “Morrisons took the difficult decision to close some McColl’s stores that hosted post offices, due to the unprofitability of the retail in that store, not helped by the difficult high street conditions facing retailers. Morrisons kept Westbury High Street service open throughout the Christmas period.”

Council working hard to secure post office Westbury Town Council has also said in a statement, “The town council is working hard to ensure we continue to have post office services in the town. The council has set up a task and finish group with the brief to explore every option. We are pleased that Post Office Ltd.’s regional external affairs manager, Laura Tarling, is working with us.

“At our meeting with her on Tuesday 7th February, she confirmed that they are actively looking for applicants to take on post office services and they are advertising the opportunity on their website. This would be in an existing or proposed business with the post office running alongside, in the same premises. Several expressions of interest have already been received, but she would encourage anyone who is thinking about this possibility to take a look at their website.”

For more information or to apply, visit: www.runapostoffice. co.uk/search/westbury-wiltshire Ham post office is ‘too small’ The nearest available post office service can be found at The Ham, but local residents have said that the facility is too small.

One comment on the White Horse News’ Facebook page said, “The post office is a necessity. The tiny post office counter is not fit for purpose at The Ham. Staff coped really well during the wait for the one in McColl’s to open, but there is no room for more than one person at the counter; it’s a corner shop at a busy crossroads with a small post office counter.”

Another comment says, “An essential facility which should be top priority at the moment is a post office, it’s absolutely shameful that we don’t have one. How is it acceptable to let the elderly try and find a way of getting up to The Ham or Dilton Marsh is beyond belief.”