The Post Office has announced today that it intends to launch a consultation on moving the Northallerton branch from its current premises at 156 High Street to WH Smith at 190 High Street.
The relocated store would be open on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and for an extra half hour on Tuesday morning – times when the current Post Office is closed.
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak had written to the Post Office urging it to extend opening hours should the relocation proposal proceed.
He said: “If the branch is to move, it is important that customers see an improvement in the service and I am glad that the Post Office has acted on my suggestion. Saturday afternoon and Sunday opening is something I am sure customers will welcome.”
Mr Sunak said he would continue to press the Post Office to ensure access to the post office counters within the WH Smith premises was appropriate.
“I have told the Post Office that the current layout of the WH Smith store is cramped and will need remodelling to ensure the elderly and disabled can get to the counters. I will continue to press the Post Office, and WH Smith, on this point.”
Post Office Ltd has announced the consultation on the the detail of the relocation proposal – principally the access arrangements – will open tomorrow and close on March 6 with a view to the change being implemented in June this year.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “The Post Office is committed to keeping its vital services on high streets and at the heart of communities across the UK.
“However, we are not immune to the challenges facing retailers in local high streets, and we must adapt to changing customer needs by making our services more accessible, for instance through longer opening hours – and under our plans, the new Northallerton branch would be open on Sundays.
“We know how much our customers rely on their local Post Office and understand the concerns they may have about these changes. That’s why we are seeking views from you, the local Northallerton community, to better understand areas such as accessibility, both inside and outside the branch, or wider local issues which should be taken into account.
“All of the feedback we collect will be carefully considered and will absolutely shape our final decision when it comes to the plans to move the branch.
“It is true that we are not consulting on principle of franchising a branch, as this is a commercial decision – and we believe we believe it is the right one in order to sustain Post Office services in communities for the long term; however, that does not mean that any final decisions have been made.
“As part of the six week long consultation process, we’ll be holding a customer forum, the details of which will be announced shortly. We’d really welcome the opportunity to explain why changes need to be made; to highlight the stringent standards we have in place to ensure good access for all customers in our new branches; and to listen to your comments too.
“You can also get in touch with us on the website: postofficeviews.co.uk, by email: comments@postoffice.co.uk, or by post: FREEPOST Your Comments.”
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