‘Lifeline’ Post Office looking for new base

Call for retailers to come forward as branch in WHSmith prepares to close

Retailers are being urged to come forward and provide a new home for Slough town centre’s Post Office, writes

The service has been left in limbo following last month’s announcement that the High Street branch of WHSmith, which houses the branch, would close on Saturday, May 11 after the company decided not to renew its lease.

A spokesperson for the Post Office said it is advertising a vacancy for a retailer to step forward and give the service a new home.

Clarissa Parker, manager of the non-profit Slough BID, which supports businesses in Slough, said Slough Post Office is seen as a ‘lifeline’ by users and urged businesses to take up the opportunity and keep it in the town centre.

Clarissa said: “A Post Office is an essential.

“It just goes without saying, it’s used by all members of the public. We’ve been very fortunate to have one in the town centre. It will be a huge loss.”

She added: “People see it as a lifeline. I think a lot of people see that being able to post something face-to-face is essential.

“Sometimes using the machines isn’t always the most user-friendly for some people.

“I think it’s fair enough when you're scanning some food and it comes up with the price, but when you’re actually trying to do something a little bit more complicated, I think having a face-to-face person to talk you through it, it's such a human touch.”

In her message to retailers, Clarissa said: “[It is something] we think is a necessity and essential for a town centre. I see how busy the Post Office is and what footfall it does generate.

“It would be a great opportunity for businesses to take on such as wonderful institution within their premises.”

The news coincides with the announcement that major banking chain Natwest’s Slough branch would be closing in September (see p2).

Commenting on the loss, Clarissa added: “The essence of a town centre is to have people coming in.

“When we've been hearing about all the news on closures in other locations, we’ve really been very lucky to have the stronghold that we’ve had.

“The last couple of days with news of the Natwest – it’s sad.”

A Post Office spokesperson, said: “We know how important a Post Office is to a community and the vacancy is currently advertised on runapostoffice .co.uk and we would like to hear from retailers about this business opportunity.”