Salford MP shares concerns as local Post Office is at risk of closure

Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey has shared her concerns as the local Salford Precinct Post Office branch is at risk of closure. 

The decision by the Post Office could see the branch on Rossal Way by the Precinct close its doors.

The decision will see the closure of over 100 Crown branches across the country, including two in Salford, both Eccles and the Salford Precinct.

The move could see all 115 branches transferred to retail partners or postmasters, or potentially closed.

The Salford branches will two of eight Greater Manchester Post Office’s that are set for closure, and will have a massive impact on the local community.

Following the decision, Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey shared her concerns and the impact that may have on the local community.

As the Salford MP said: “Salford City’s Post Office is an essential part of our local economy and is relied upon by local residents and businesses, and those who collect their pensions and benefits.

“Salford’s Post Office has good access arrangements in a prominent position, with well-trained staff who have a wealth of experience between them.”

Rebecca Long Bailey MP continued: “For them to receive this news before Christmas is a kick in the teeth.

“I’ve written to Government Ministers asking them to intervene and call a halt to these plans.”

And the local MP isn’t the only person who is concerned by these plans, as Salford residents also shared their frustrations on social media.

One resident, Paula Lawless said: “That’s ridiculous my aunt goes to the Salford branch every Monday and Wednesdays as it’s her only bank account she’s elderly and it would be a nightmare for her if it closed.”

This was continued by Frances Beirne, who said: “They can’t do that , where are the pensioners to go to get there money or stamps or any service they might require.

“It’s ridiculous half the banks and building societies are closed down. What’s causing all this it can’t be lack of customers as it’s busy every day.”

Currently the 115 branches are the only remaining directly owned Post Office’s, and with the risk of potential closure it will see  numbers fall from nearly 400 in 2010.

In the future all post offices will be franchises.

Currently retailers such like WH Smith, Tesco, Morrisons and the Co-Op operate around 2,000 Post Offices across the country.

Other branches are part of a network of independent postmasters that currently operate around 9,000 in England.