Peterborough MP warns it's essential to save Post Office in city centre

The comments from Andrew Pakes MP come as concerns grow for the future of new retailer TG Jones, which operates the former WH Smith store in Bridge Street that is also home to the city’s Post Office service.

The TG Jones owner, Modella Capital which bought the WH Smith retail business in March last year, is known to be struggling and has warned stores could close if new finance terms are not agreed.

It is feared that if the Bridge Street store is shut that the Post Office service will also go.

But Mr Pakes said: “It is really disappointing that TG Jones have not made a success of the heritage of the Smiths brand.

He said: "The most important thing is to ensure a Post Office remains open in the city centre. I am in regular touch with the Post Office to ensure we have a Plan B in place of needed.”

Mr Pakes previously said he would write to Modella Capital to seek assurances about their plans for its city store.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the challenging trading conditions that TG Jones and many other High Street retailers are facing at the moment.

"We have a long-standing partnership and encourage customers to continue to access Post Office services and products from our branches located within TG Jones stores.

"Should there be any change to the store that hosts the Post Office, we will inform the local community as soon as we’re able to.”

The Post Office revealed a few weeks ago that it is actively looking for a retailer that would be able to include a Post Office Main into an existing or a proposed business’ in Peterborough.