In comes September and out goes the city’s central post office following the closure of the TG Jones (formerly WHSmith) store.
The announcement in July of the closure of the Union Street branch, which had been rumoured for some time, caused anger and concern amongst local residents. As the city’s MP, Wera Hobhouse noted at the time:
“Post Office counter services are essential in so many aspects of our daily lives and are even a lifeline for many.”
This was echoed by Councillor Manda Rigby, who said:
“The Post Office fulfils a service to our residents like no other institution and the Lib Dems will fight for the speedy restoration of both a central Bath office as well as the vital local branches.”
The MP, along with Bath and North East Somerset Council, vowed to do whatever they could to support the Post Office as it sought applications for a replacement operator. Both have been in regular contact at all levels with the Post Office to provide that support, with B&NES Council in particular consulting extensively around premises to assist potential new operators.
A petition objecting to the loss of the central branch was set up by the local Lib Dem party and quickly gathered over 4,000 signatures, illustrating the depth of feeling on the subject.
In the most recent call (on 29th August) between Mrs Hobhouse and the Post Office, they provided an update on the process, which they said was “progressing positively”, and thanked B&NES Council for their support.
Following that meeting, the Post Office issued the following statement:
“Following the announcement from TG Jones regarding the closure of their store in Bath, we regret to advise that the Post Office operating from within the store closed on 1 September.
“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.
“Typically, it takes around six months for a new branch to open. This process includes identifying and approving the operator, finalising agreements, installing Post Office facilities, undertaking any necessary property works, and ensuring the new operator and their staff receive the appropriate training.
“We apologise to customers who may be travelling further to access Post Office services. Locations of some alternative branches in the area are listed below. Customers can also use our branch finder to find the addresses, opening hours and services available at nearby branches. Branch Finder | Post Office
“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.
“As soon as we have confirmed the successful applicant, we will share further details about the new Post Office for Bath.”
Councillor Rigby responded:
“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.
“In the meantime we are fortunate to have a number of other smaller branches across the city, details of which can be found online and hope our residents can utilise these services as a workaround pending that reopening.”
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:
“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.
“In Parliament, and with my Lib Dem colleagues locally, I will continue to demand the best and most reliable service possible for our residents.”
The Council also promised to keep residents apprised of all the latest developments as they happen.
