UPDATE 02/06/25:
The Post Office announced that the Devonshire Square branch will have a new operator, Zco Ltd.
Whilst it’s of course positive to hear there will be ongoing post office services at this location, we still haven't had a commitment on cash deposits which was important to local businesses and community groups.
We have also received no details on the number of staff who will be working in the branch.
I’m very disappointed to see that the Post Office would not consider a key local stake holder as a potential operator, and instead opted for a company which operates from Bolton with no connection to the local area.
Overall, the Post Office has handled this whole situation very poorly, and I will be raising this in Parliament.
BACKGROUND:
Unfortunately we learnt that the Post Office has decided to proceed with the closure of all their directly managed branches. This news is incredibly disappointing for many, especially considering over 4,000 people signed the petition to save the branch. I’m also mindful of the Devonshire Square branch staff, who must be having a tough time adjusting to the news.
During a Ministerial Statement following the announced closure of the last remaining DMBs, I asked the Minister for guarantees that the replacement branch would provide the same services and requested that he veto the closure if this guarantee wasn't met.
The Minister confirmed that he would expect there to be all the same services. This means that customers should still be able to use all the same services that they had before at Devonshire Square. However, he could not provide a guarantee to veto the closure if we didn't get those same services. So I will continue to push for this.
Though Post Office have committed to delivering a franchise service in the town, we don’t yet have the guarantees we would need to know we aren’t going to be worse off as a result.
Firstly, the location of the new franchised branch – Post Office’s access criteria states the replacement should be within a 1-mile radius of the current branch. I’ve requested it be within a ½ mile to make sure it remains within Bexhill town, but I’ve not received absolute confirmation of this yet.
Secondly, cash deposits – I’ve insisted that current cash deposit services continue, particularly for local businesses and charities that need to deposit large amounts of coins. No guarantees have been made on this yet.
Lastly, no interruption of service – I was assured that a franchisee would be operational when the DMB closes, but I haven’t received clear information on the viability of franchisee applications. Without this, I can’t yet have full confidence in the continuity of service.
I’m also currently working to secure a commitment that if a new franchise were to fail, the Post Office would provide a temporary branch so Bexhill wouldn’t be left without service. I want to make sure that, no matter what happens, Bexhill always has a post office like Devonshire Square.
Thank you to everyone who signed the petition. We’ll continue fighting for what’s best for Bexhill and its residents, and hold the Post Office accountable. I expect there will be a future consultation about Bexhill specifically - I will contact you again to ask you to all make your voices heard!
