A concerned councillor has written to Post Office CEO over the future of Basingstoke’s town centre post office following news of WHSmith’s imminent closure.
The branch, which operates from within the WHSmith store, provides crucial services to the community, and its future now hangs in the balance.
County and borough councillor Arun Mummalaneni has now written to Nick Read, CEO of the Post Office, and Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy, urging swift action to ensure the continuity of services.
“It is deeply worrying for our community, especially as the larger Post Office in the Top of the Town was reduced to a smaller facility within WHSmith not that long ago. Now, with WHSmith’s closure, residents are left uncertain about where they will be able to access these essential services. Many rely on this branch for day-to-day needs, and a gap in service would be a significant setback,” said Cllr Mummalaneni.
The councillor has called for clarity on the Post Office’s plans to maintain a town centre presence.
“The people of Basingstoke deserve reliable access to postal services, and I urge the Post Office to act swiftly to secure a solution,” he added.
Located at The Malls shopping centre, WHSmith has announced that it will officially shut its doors on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
This follows WH Smith’s plans earlier this year to close a number of locations across the UK, though Basingstoke was not initially included.
The retailer has also recently expanded its presence at airports and train stations, with new branches planned at key travel hubs.
WHSmith has been a fixture in the town for more than 56 years.
SEE ALSO: Basingstoke branch of WH Smith closing putting future of town Post Office at risk
The closure decision is attributed to WH Smith’s upcoming lease expiry and changing trading conditions
Meanwhile, a Post Office spokesperson said: “The operator for Basingstoke Post Office has resigned as WHSmith has made the difficult decision to close the store where the branch is based. Current expectation is that the branch will close on or about 1 February 2025.
“The vacancy for Basingstoke Post Office has been advertised and we have had several interested retailers. There are currently two applicants. We will consider their applications and we hope to be able to progress with one of those applicants.”
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