Plans to close Halifax Post Office criticised

The Post Office is proposing to close its main town centre office and open up a new branch in the WHSmith store at Market Street.

Around two months ago it was announced the post office in Commercial Street was in line to be ‘franchised’ and more than 500 local people signed a petition voicing concerns about the plans.

Ms Lynch is backing the campaign to try to persuade the Post Office to think again.

She said: “This is yet another example of how under this Conservative government our public services are being sold off to be run as businesses. The Post Office used to be accountable to the public; now it seems that people have no say in how this vital service is run.

“I will keep challenging the Government on their support for this unnecessary and unwelcome change and ensure that concerns are heard through the consultation process”.

The Post Office will be inviting customers and interested parties to give their views on the proposed move in a six-week public consultation.

Subject to consultation, the new Halifax Post Office branch will have five serving positions, a mixture of one screened and four open-plan counter. It is proposed the branch would move in September 2016.

Existing staff at Halifax’s current branch have the right to transfer their employment to WHSmith if they wish to do so, in line with TUPE legislation.

Roger Gale, General Manager of the Post Office Crown Network, said: “We are committed to keeping our services on the high street which we know is hugely important to people. This proposal means we can continue to do that, into the future.

“Our customers will be offered the same range of services.”