Telford Council joins hunt to find post office a new home
Telford Council could step in to help find the town's main post office a new home in a bid to cut costs, a member of the authority said today.
Councillor Shaun Davies was speaking after the branch in the Telford Shopping Centre was named as one of 70 which could be moved inside a high street shop or business as part of a cost-cutting exercise.
The Post Office announced yesterday that it was looking for businesses in which to base the branches.
Councillor Davies suggested the Southwater development at Telford Town Centre could be a perfect home should the branch be moved.
He said: "Clearly the council would be willing to work with the Post Office on a joint venture, as we would want the Post Office to stay in the town as a vital service."
The Post Office yesterday said it was losing £40 million a year and needed to make savings.
It is seeking retail partners for 70 branches to allow them to stay in their current locations.
However, if a suitable partner cannot be found, the branch will stay put.
Councillor Davies said the Co-op hosted the Post Office in Dawley, and the arrangement worked well.
Robin Melley, chairman of the Telford Business Partnership, said: "If they decide to put it in a Morrisons or some sort of superstore it would be great for shoppers but it wouldn't be very good for local businesses."
