OFFICIALS have announced the Bexhill Post Office will close despite a 4,000-strong petition opposing the plans.
Subject to Government funding, the last 108 Directly Managed Branches which are operated by the Post Office will be franchised by the autumn.
This means that communities that currently have a Directly Managed Branch in their area will continue to be able to access Post Office services either at, or near to, the same location.
Nigel Railton, Post Office Chair, said: “Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office. By franchising these branches, we are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40 million worth of savings that will enable us to uplift postmasters’ remuneration by up to 10%.
“Over the coming months, we will continue to work with our unions to ensure that we treat our staff working in these 108 branches with care and respect through this transition, consulting with them on proposed changes. The 108 Post Offices will either stay in the same location where possible or be located close to the existing location, meaning customers will continue to have access to a full suite of products and services.”
Dr Kieran Mullan MP has expressed his strong opposition to the closure of the Devonshire Square Post Office Directly Managed Branch (DMB), following the recent announcement.
He said: “It is deeply disappointing to hear that Post Office has decided to close the Devonshire Square DMB despite the clear opposition from the local community, shown by 4,190 signatures on the ‘Save Bexhill Post Office’ petition. This decision disregards the needs and concerns of Bexhill residents and has been badly handled by the Post Office as we aren’t clear about what comes next.”
“The Post Office have pledged to setup a franchise branch instead – but at this stage we don’t know when this will happen, where it will be and what services it will provide.”
“The closure of the Devonshire Square branch, and the proposed transition to a franchisee, leaves many questions unanswered. It is vital that Post Office Ltd provides clear, formal guarantees on location, services, and operational continuity before the branch is shut down.”
“It seemed to me that this decision was a foregone conclusion, so I have been trying to get guarantees out of the Post Office on ensuring any branch is in the heart of Bexhill and provides the same services we get now. We have made some progress, but we aren’t where we need to be.”
“I will carry on pushing the Post Office to try and get the best out of this situation and thank everyone again for their support for the campaign.”
“We at least have the positive news about the plans for a banking hub in Bexhill which will provide reassurance to people that at least vital banking services will be maintained in the heart of the town. I met with the team delivering the hub just today to start discussions about what we need in Bexhill.”
