Post office is 'vital' part of town's regeneration

A post office earmarked for closure is a "vital piece of that jigsaw for growth and confidence" needed to regenerate a town centre, councillors have been told.

South Shields Post Office, in King Street, is one of up to 115 branches in the UK announced as being at risk in November.

A South Tyneside Council meeting on Thursday heard the Crown post office, which has been in the town for 134 years, was a "vital community hub".

Labour councillor Michael Clare said it was important the authority "maintained and kept up the political pressure" but added he had been "reassured" by the state-owned company that a period of "full and frank consultation" would take place.

"If we are to realise our vision for the regeneration of the town centre then the post office must remain a key part of that vision," he said

"I am convinced that we can once again, working together, create a vibrant town centre where retailers feel confident about the future.

"A centrally located town post office is a vital piece of that jigsaw for growth and confidence."

The Post Office is looking at options for its wholly-owned branches, which currently employ about 1,000 workers and are loss-making.

These could include alternative franchise arrangements where an operator like the retailer WHSmith or another third party could take on the branches.

The company said it would "review all responses, sharing the results with relevant trade unions and other stakeholders".

The council meeting heard how Labour leader Tracey Dixon had written to Post Office chairman Nigel Railton and South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck to express opposition to the closure.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds had also been contacted over the issue, councillors heard.

Green Party councillor Sarah McKeown said she would "absolutely support all efforts to save this vital community hub".

The motion to oppose the closure was passed unanimously, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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