The Post Office is aiming to find a new branch in the centre of Luton after it was revealed that their current base inside WH Smith will close, Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins has confirmed.
The Member of Parliament had written to the CEO of the Post Office, calling for them to clarify plans for maintaining a presence in the town centre after the stationary and books retailer confirmed it will close it’s Luton Point shopping centre location on January 18.
In a letter, Ms Hopkins raised concerns about Lutonians not being able to access Post Office services, writing: “Luton Post Office is vital and highly used, with regular queues for services. I am concerned that this proposed closer would result in a significant reduction access to services which many of my constituents rely on, including postal services, banking, the application and certification of ID, and collection of benefit and pension payments for those who are unable to open bank accounts.
“I am particularly concerned about the impact this will have on elderly and disabled people that need to access these services.”
The Post Office has now confirmed their plans, with Ms Hopkins announcing on social media: “I am very pleased that the Post Office has confirmed they will be seeking to maintain a service in Luton and have been actively seeking new operators, and are currently reviewing applications.”
In a letter to customers, The Post Office partner account manager, Ian Johnson, wrote: “I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.
“Post Office Ltd wants to maintain a service in Luton and we have been actively seeking new operators. We have received interest and are pleased to confirm that we have applicationsin progress.”
