Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has written to the Chief Executive of Post Office, Mr Nick Read, concerning the on-going closure of the Post Office in central Consett.
The former Consett Post Office was closed in November 2019, despite a campaign by local people to keep it open. Following the example of replacement Post Offices across the country, its replacement was opened in the retailer PhoneHub, which sells phones and stationery. However, the store has now been closed for more than a month due to family circumstances, despite the Post Office being an essential service that people across North West Durham are reliant on.
Richard has asked Mr Nick Read to confirm what plans are being put in place to ensure it opens as soon as possible and has stressed the importance of his constituents having access to a fully operational alternative Post Office as long as the current one remains closed.
Commenting, Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, said 'It is unacceptable that my constituents in Consett have been left without access to a Post Office – a vital service particularly important for the elderly and vulnerable at a time when so many other services have not been able to open – for over a month. I understand that coronavirus and staff illnesses led to the current closure and wish those affected a speedy recovery and a return to good health. I am however worried that no alternative provision has been put in place. I have written to the CEO of the Post Office to ask what the plans are for re-opening the Post Office and ensuring that my constituents have access to the services that they need. If re-opening imminently isn’t possible then the Post Office should make an alternative mobile Post Office available until the town centre service can resume.'
You can see a copy of the letter that Richard has written above.
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