A council is asking for support for a petition to keep a post office open

The branch in Willow Street is one of 115 under threat as the Post Office looks at options for its wholly-owned sites, which currently employ about 1,000 people and are making a loss.

Oswestry Town Council agreed last week to tell the Post Office it opposes a full or partial closure of the branch, while it will also work with North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan, asking her to make the strongest representations in Parliament and to the relevant minister.

The council also agreed to strengthen its leadership around facilitating the campaign with residents, while clerk Arren Roberts will contact the Post Office, asking for its business case.

Now, Councillor Duncan Kerr, who is the leader of the Green Group in Shropshire and represents Oswestry South, has tabled a motion that is asking for Shropshire Council’s support.

“It has been widely reported that Oswestry Post Office is one of 115 in the country at risk of closure by the Post Office,” reads the motion.

“This office provides a much-needed and valuable service, particularly for the elderly and other people with protected characteristics under the Equalities Act. This council expresses its absolute opposition to any closure or diminution in services from the Oswestry Post Office and calls on the MP for North Shropshire to express in the strongest terms the opposition of residents to this proposal.”

The motion will be heard by Shropshire Council at its meeting this Thursday - December 12.