MP calls on Post Office to shelve Yate closure plans

The Thornbury and Yate MP, Claire Young has written to the Chief Executive of the Post Office, urging him to halt plans which would see Yate Post Office close – leaving the town without a branch.

 The Post Office is looking at options for its wholly owned outlets, including the one on South Walk at Yate Shopping Centre.

 Ms Young has written to Post Office boss Nick Reid, urging him to think again about the potential closure and challenged him to provide clarity.

 She wrote:

 “It is deeply worrying to hear that this site is potentially up for closure and the news has come as a real shock to the local community who rely upon it, with Yate being a substantial town of more than 28,000 people.

 If this branch were to close, this would not only affect those living in Yate, but also Chipping Sodbury and the villages. The closure would have far-reaching implications, making it incredibly difficult for businesses and older people to access their money and other services.

 At a time when we’ve seen bank after bank shut up shop on our high streets, many have come to rely on the Post Office as part of their day-to-day lives. Indeed, many looked to the Post Office as their ultimate safeguard – trusting that they would be able to rely on it when all else failed.

 That’s why the news of this closure has caused great worry. While it has been claimed that ‘no decisions have been made’, many feel that this decision has already been taken behind closed doors with no public consultation and they’re now living on borrowed time.”

 In her letter to the Chief Exec, she also asked for answers over when the closures were decided, what consultation process is being followed, and how people can lodge their objections to the proposals.

 The Liberal Democrat MP has also launched a petition about saving the Post Office to show the strength of opposition to these plans. It can be signed online at: www.ClaireYoung.org.uk/Yate-Post-Office