I am pleased that the Post Office moved so swiftly to open the new branch in the High Street in Leek following the closure of the Waitrose branch. I am however still concerned that this leaves the north side of Leek without a Post Office which could mean that pensioners and vulnerable residents on that side of town could be inconvenienced.
I am in regular contact with the Post Office on this matter. They do want to increase Post Office provision in the area and have been working with potential retailers who may be interested in incorporating Post Office services alongside their existing business. They are keeping me informed of any developments.
I know that some local residents are also concerned about the possible relocation of the Post Office in Werrington. The Post Office have launched a period of public consultation on plans to relocate the Post Office in Werrington from the current location at Ash Bank Road to Select Convenience (currently branded as Bargain Booze) in Ash Bank Road.
If the move goes ahead, Werrington Post Office will operate as one of their new local style branches. The move is being proposed as part of the ongoing modernisation of their branch network which has seen over 7,500 branches transformed.
The branch would offer a wide range of Post Office products and services, 7 days a week, offering customers greater flexibility in when they visit the Post Office. They believe that introducing a local style branch alongside a successful retail store is the most effective way to safeguard sustainable Post Office services in the Werrington community into the future.
The Post Office is currently carrying out a consultation on the proposal and I would encourage local residents to make their views known at Consultation Hub – Werrington ST9 0JP. Consultation closes on 26th April 2018.