‘I am concerned’ - Kate Osborne MP reacts to Jarrow Post Office relocation
Jarrow Post Office is set to close and be relocated to a convenience store.
The Post Office have confirmed that Jarrow Post Office, on Grange Road, will close to members of the public for the final time at 5.30pm on Wednesday, May 6.
The branch will be relocated to inside the Jarrow Convenience Store (formerly Simms News), on Ellison Street, and will be open from 1pm on Thursday, May 7.
Post Office say that the current branch has been operated on their behalf by a temporary postmaster while they sought out a permanent solution to maintain Post Office services for customers in Jarrow.
‘I am concerned’
Kate Osborne, the Member of Parliament for Jarrow and Gateshead East, has expressed her concerns at the decision to relocate the Post Office from a standalone shop into a combined retail premises.
Ms Osborne said: “The Post Office Limited have confirmed their final decision on the Jarrow Post Office.
“The franchising model imposed by Post Office Ltd has consistently failed communities, hollowing out local services and reducing trusted public assets to an afterthought in retail settings.
“I am concerned about this move of Jarrow Post Office from an independent shop front into the back of a retail premises, which I believe will reduce the visibility and accessibility of this vital service.
“Local people have been clear with me that Jarrow Post Office must remain a true community hub — accessible to all, open regular hours throughout the day, and properly staffed — and I will continue to engage with Post Office Ltd to press these points.”
‘Failed franchising model’
The Jarrow and Gateshead East MP has also stated that Post Office’s franchising model is “not working” and highlighted that she will continue to raise issues with the organisation in Parliament.
She added: “While I welcome the Labour government’s £483 million investment to secure the future of our Post Office network, the current franchising model is not delivering the standard communities deserve, and further moves in this direction remain a concern.
“The Post Office cannot continue to claim that community services will be maintained, it is clear their failed franchising model is not working and not delivering, we need a reversal of the failed privatisation not a continuation of it.
“As someone who worked for Royal Mail at the time this failed model of franchising started, when it was split up it's upsetting to see the damage that has been done to this vital service.
“I will keep raising these issues with the Post Office and our Government.”
New operating times
Post Office has confirmed that its full range of products and services will be available at the new Ellison Street location.
The new opening hours will be 7am until 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am until 8pm on Sundays.
Post Office is also making members of the public aware that there is a step at the entrance of the new premises.
Should any customers require assistance to enter, an assistance bell and signage will be installed which will be visible to all customers - with a portable ramp available for further assistance.
Post Office has stated that the new operator is working towards installing a permanent ramp, subject to planning permission.