Oswestry post office closure update - Post Office is inviting expressions of interest

Oswestry is one of 115 branches under threat as the Post Office looks at options for its whole-owned sites, which currently employ about 1,000 people and are making a loss.

Arren Roberts, clerk of Oswestry Town Council, said that for a month, the Post Office will be inviting expressions of interest.

“We need to be mindful of that when discussing other options,” said Mr Roberts.

“In other actions we’ve taken, there is a ‘save our post office’ banner on the digital screen in reception, and there was one on the big screen at ‘Christmas Music Live’.

“Oswestry BID are keen to support a campaign, however it is on the basis that it’s based on facts and not rumour about a closure.

“In terms of getting information out there, Oswestry Life are prepared to work with us on a campaign and will deliver any letters we want free of charge.”

Councillor Duncan Kerr, the leader of the Green Group who represents Oswestry South at Shropshire Council, believes the Post Office may want a franchise operator for Oswestry and ‘that is probably the most realistic way in saving it’.

“They say they’re committed to maintaining 11,500 branches, meeting the access criteria set by the Government,” said Councillor Kerr.

“So I will be interested to know if the access criteria requires another outlet in Oswestry.”

To help get more support to try and keep a post office open in the town, Councillor Kerr tabled a motion at a Shropshire Council meeting on Thursday (December 12).

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

Members unanimously approved it, with council leader, Councillor Lezley Picton saying that all of the county’s MPs should get on aboard to help support the campaign.