By Gianina Turner: Bath’s city centre Post Office has closed, with the organisation saying work is continuing to secure a replacement branch as quickly as possible.
The Union Street branch closed on 1 September following the closure of the WHSmith store in which it was located, leaving residents, businesses and visitors without a central Post Office service.
The closure prompted concern across the city. A petition organised by the local Liberal Democrats opposing the loss of the branch attracted more than 4,000 signatures.
The Post Office says it has received interest from a number of potential operators and is now working through the application process.
In a statement, the Post Office said: “We know that access to Post Office services in Bath is very important to our customers, and we are working hard to open a new branch in Bath. We have been advertising for a new operator, and we are pleased to have received interest from a number of potential applicants. We are currently working through the details to confirm applicants.”
The organisation said that opening a replacement branch typically takes around six months, including appointing an operator, finalising agreements, installing facilities, carrying out any necessary property works and training staff.
The Post Office added: “We continue to work closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council to open a new central branch in the city as soon as possible, and are very grateful for their support thus far.”
Commenting on the update, Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, said: “I am grateful to the Post Office for their swift action and careful scrutiny of the next operator. It is essential that this vital service returns with a new permanent home, and under a robust operating structure so that it never faces sudden closure again.”
Councillor Manda Rigby said Bath & North East Somerset Council would continue working with the Post Office to help minimise delays in restoring a central branch. She said: “While we recognise that the process of appointing a new operator must be rigorous and thus will take time, we continue to work with the Post Office in every way we can to ensure any delay to a reopening of a central Bath post office is minimised.”
The Post Office says further details will be released once a successful applicant has been confirmed.
While a replacement city centre branch is being sought, residents can continue to access services at other Post Office branches across Bath. The Post Office has advised customers to use its online Branch Finder to check branch locations, opening hours and available services at www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder
Photo: Wera Hobhouse MP meeting Laura Tarling, Post Office Ltd External Affairs Manager. Photo credit: Wera Hobhouse MP
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