Call for top level meeting with Post Office chiefs as Peterborough Post Office is set to close

Post Office bosses announced last week that the Post Office in the TG Jones store in Bridge Street is to close early next year.

Now a call has gone out for an urgent meeting with Post Office leaders to find an alternative location in the city centre for a new Post Office.

The decision to close the Post Office comes as retailer TG Jones looks to close its Bridge Street store which has been home to the Post Office for a decade.#

A\ date for the closure has still to be announced.

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: It is disappointing but not surprising that TG Jones in the city centre is closing.

"I’ve already been on to the Post Office nationally and they tell me they have a couple of options to keep provision going.

He added: “My priority now is to keep a main Post Office in the city centre.”

“Peterborough needs a Post Office in its city centre.

"It's vital, both for the people who rely on it and as a draw for footfall into the heart of the city.

He said: "I want to see a replacement in place as quickly as possible and I’d urge the Post Office to review existing expressions of interest as a matter of urgency.

"I'll be writing to the Post Office to make sure no stone is left unturned in finding a replacement."

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow has written to Neil Brocklehurst, the chief executive of the Post Office.

Mr Bristow states in the letter: “I would welcome an urgent meeting with the Post Office and relevant local stakeholders to discuss replacement provision, the expected timescales, and what interim arrangements can be put in place to maintain access to these essential services.

"The importance of these services should not be underestimated.

"Many people rely on them for everyday banking, paying household bills, sending parcels and letters, accessing cash and obtaining foreign currency, among other essential services.

"It is therefore vital that Peterborough city centre continues to have a Post Office presence.

"The loss of such an important service would be another significant blow to the city centre and would particularly affect those residents and businesses who depend on convenient, face-to-face access to these services.

Mr Bristow adds: "Establishing a new Post Office can take a considerable amount of time, and there is a real concern that residents and businesses could be left without suitable city centre provision following the closure in early 2027.”

In a statement announcing the closure, the Post Office stated it had already advertised a vacancy and interest has been received.”

A spokesperson stated: “The vacancy has already been advertised and we have heard from interested retailers.

"We are now looking more closely at the expressions of interest.

"We want to open a replacement branch as soon as possible, but this can take around six months.

"In the interim alternative branches will be Eastfield Road, Old Fletton and Gladstone Street.”