Closure of Bideford Post Office would be a ‘kick in the teeth for regeneration’
Closure of Bideford Post Office would be a ‘kick in the teeth for regeneration’
Lib Dem petition calls for Post Office services in the town centre to be protected
Members of the public have reacted angrily to the news that Bideford Post Office is in line for closure. Bideford is one of 115 Post Offices which are still wholly owned rather than a franchise. As a Main Post Office, it is open nine to five Monday to Saturday and offers the full range of services including passport and licence applications, Parcelforce, and foreign currency.
Councillor Teresa Tinsley said:
‘This makes no sense. The Post Office has been filling a vital gap left by bank closures, it provides vital services to the community and drives footfall in the town centre. It’s a kick in the teeth for regeneration. We need to safeguard the full range of services at the heart of our community.’
The Lib Dems have set up a petition calling on Post Office Ltd to protect the services it provides in Bideford town centre. Phil Hutty, Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Torridge and Tavistock, said:
‘The Post Office is a vital service in the heart of Bideford. It can't be left without the essential services provided to so many people across our area.’
News of the closure drew some angry reactions from residents, who wrote online:
‘They've shut all but one bank in town, telling us to use the post office instead, so what will they advise people do now?’
‘There's no justification on closing it as no matter what day or time there's a queue. At Christmas they queue across the pavement!!!’
‘When they closed HSBC bank the staff were on hand to promote the Post Office. This is what brings people into the town who spend money at the local shops. Don't let this happen.’
Local post offices operate under franchise in Northam, East-the-Water and in Bideford Old Town, but none offers the full range of services. The nearest Main Post Office is Barnstaple.
To sign the petition, go to:
https://www.twdld.org.uk/campaigns/save-bideford-post-office
