A Solihull MP has called for a mobile post office service to be introduced ahead of the closure of the town centre branch next month. Saqib Bhatti, the MP for Meriden and Solihull East, has written to the chief executive of Post Office Ltd, Neil Brocklehurst, requesting a temporary solution for residents and businesses.
TGJones, the store located in Mell Square, has announced it will shut its doors on July 11, taking the Post Office branch inside with it. The store, which was formerly a WHSmiths, was rebranded as TGJones after a multi-million-pound acquisition by Modella Capital last year. The closure is part of a nationwide restructuring plan affecting at least eight branches.
The closure means that, for now, Solihull residents will have to travel to the nearest post office in Elmdon Heath, just over a mile away. Solihull Council leader Councillor Karen Grinsell recently stated that the authority is working with Post Office Ltd to explore potential franchise applications for suitable premises in the town centre.
In his letter, posted on social media, MP Bhatti expressed deep concerns about the closure. He wrote: “I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed closure. This branch represents a vital service hub for my constituents, local businesses and the many visitors who rely on a centrally located, fully functioning post office.” He added: “I recognise that achieving a long term solution may take time but in the interim I would be grateful if the Post Office could consider the provision of a mobile post office service as a temporary measure to help mitigate the immediate impact on residents and businesses while a permanent solution is found.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached the Post Office for comment but received no reply. In a previous statement, a Post Office spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the challenging trading conditions that TGJones and many other high street retailers are facing at the moment. Regrettably, following the launch of its restructuring plan, TGJones has confirmed that its Solihull store will close as will the Post Office within store on July 11. We know how important our products and services are to the local community. We have advertised the vacancy and would welcome interest from retailers looking to host a post office branch within their store. More details are available at runapostoffice.co.uk. There is also a Post Office at Elmdon Heath.”
