Town’s main Post Office faces closure
Services could be moved into WH Smith
Proposals by the Post Office network will see 40 Post Office branches, including the one on Aberdeen Walk, move inside WH Smith stores in 2019.
Scarborough’s main Post Office could close under plans to relocate services to WH Smith. Proposals put forward by the Post Office network will see 40 Post Office branches, including the one on Aberdeen Walk, move inside WH Smith stores in 2019.
The franchise arrangement will see the number of Post Offices operated by the retailer, which currently runs 135 branches, rise to over 200.
In a statement, Post Office said that the move would support “the long-term sustainability of Post Office branches” and bring “longer opening hours for customers in many areas”.
However, people in Scarborough when asked by The Scarborough News criticised the proposals, saying it would be “ridiculous”.
Barbara Mann said: “It’s a disgrace, the post office is always busy, there’s people queuing all the time.
“It’s ridiculous.” Marion and Brian Pimperton added: “How can they move a space like this into WH Smith? It’s going to be crowded and congested.”
“They should keep it”, said Sue Slubley. “You can’t complain that people don’t use the high street if there’s nothing left.”
Concerns were also raised over what would happen to the building, should the post office be forced to relocate.
Gwen Moss said: “It’s a big building, how would they keep it going?”
“It’s just going to leave an emptybuilding,”addedMichael Sampson. “You see it in other town centres that things are closing down and there’s only empty buildings left.”
Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill, who is aware of the cooperation between Post Office and WH Smith, has shown optimism towards the plan, adding that he would rather see the post office relocate than close down.
He said: “This process is happening up and down the country and I heard from some of my colleagues that were also worried and sceptical that it’s actually an improvement, so I don’t think it’s something that we should be frightened of.
“WHSmithisatrusted,wellknown retailer that we all use and relocating the post office in the store will not only mean longer opening hours but it will also guarantee the future of WH Smith in town, so I’m hopeful it will be a win win.”
When asked about concerns of congestion in the store, Mr Goodwill added: “I assume that WH Smith will be aware of the level of customer usage and that they’ll make sure they know how to handle the number of customers that will use the post office. I’d like to see shorter queues.”
Post Office Network and Sales Director Roger Gale said: “WH Smith and Post Office have worked together successfully for more than a decade and our collaboration helps to secure our services on high streets for years to come.
“We’re continuing to respond to unprecedented change on high streets and in consumer trends. By adapting to the needs of customers we’re making sure Post Offices will matter as much tomorrow as they do today, with services available when and where people want them, in convenient locations and open for longer hours, including Sundays.
“The vast majority of the Post Office’s network of 11,500 Post Office branches, large and small, are run on a franchise or agency basis with retailers as part of thriving businesses.”
A final decision is subjected to a six-week public consultation period.