HOPES remain that a major part of Kidderminster will still have a Post Office in the future after a local branch announced it would be closing in July.
The Post Office has confirmed that its Franche Road Post Office will close at 1pm on Saturday, July 4.
This, according to the Post Office, is because Midcounties Co-operative Ltd has resigned from operating Franche Post Office.
We have contacted Midcounties Co-operative Ltd but, at the time the Standard went to Press, had not received a response confirming these claims.
The news has led to sadness from residents who feel this will be a big loss to the community.
But the Post Office has confirmed that it is looking into options to reinstate a service for the community.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “Regrettably, our retail partner Midcounties Co-operative Ltd has resigned from operating Franche Post Office and the premises are being withdrawn for Post Office use on Saturday, July 4 at 1pm.
“We know how important a Post Office is to a community, and we are currently investigating the options available which may enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.
“In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.
“Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage, and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service.
“This may be a local style branch which runs alongside an established retail shop in newly refurbished premises and creates a more modern and convenient experience for customers.”
The nearest Post Offices in Kidderminster are at the Costcutter on Sebright Road, which is 1.2 miles away froim Franche Road, or the service at TGJones, on Vicar Street, which is 1.3 miles away.
Councillor David Ross, who initially shared the notice confirming the Post Office closure on social media, said he hoped an alternative premises would be found soon.
Residents took to social media to share their sadness at the closure.
One said: “This is a sad loss to the local community and especially the elderly clients, and there are no Post Offices locally to the Franche area .
“After losing the majority of banks in Kidderminster, the Post Offices were a replacement for bank users to pay in and make cash withdrawals.”
Another said that, since the Post Office is always so busy, reopening it in another venue would definitely be warranted.
