Stuart Anderson MP Warns Against “Postal Desert”
Stuart Anderson MP has called on Ministers to “protect and enhance” the Post Office network in rural areas. It follows concerns an exodus of branches from the high street could cause a “postal desert.
The call comes as WH Smith has confirmed it is in talks to sell 520 of its stores to focus on its faster-growing international travel business. The 230-year-old retailer supports 195 post office branches in its high street stores. The retail giant has already closed at least eight of its stores since March 2023 – with further closures now planned
The retail giant has been operating Post Offices in its high street stores since 2006. These branches offer the same range of services as directly managed Post Offices. In Shropshire, this includes an outlet in Shrewsbury
In South Shropshire, Stuart successfully campaigned against closure notices issued for Post Office services operated independently of W H Smith stores in July 2024. Had the closures gone ahead, more services would have been stepped down – affecting areas such as Clunton and Clunbury
Stuart is now supporting a campaign to restore Post Office services in Cleobury Mortimer. Following ongoing correspondence with the Post Office, Stuart was informed earlier in January that the applicant is progressing through the application process.
In correspondence with Stuart, the Post Office stated: “We don’t yet have any date for reopening but please be assured that we will provide official notice to stakeholders and the community, once we do have more information on reopening the branch or a confirmed proposal to restore service.
WH Smith told the Guardian: “Our Post Office partnership is an important part of our high street business and will continue should a sale of our high street business to new owners proceed.
A response to a recent parliamentary question tabled by Stuart revealed that the government provides an annual £50 million network subsidy to support the “geographical spread” of post office branches
The annual subsidy is provided to ensure that the Post Office meets minimum access criteria. As part of the scheme, 99% of the population must live within one mile of a Post Office while 95% of those in rural areas must be within three miles
Data published by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) shows that 93.5% of people in rural parts of Shropshire live within three miles of a post office. This falls to 86.8% when mobile and outreach branches are excluded.
Stuart has now called on Minister’s to safeguard the network of Post Offices in rural areas and to work with the sector to create a sustainable future in the longer term.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“Post Offices are an integral part of our rural communities, keeping people connected in areas like South Shropshire. Many residents will be worried about possible closures of further post office closures, following the announcement by WH Smith, which support 195 post office outlets, that it is looking to sell its high street stores. Having successfully opposed closure notices for services in areas such as Clunton and Clunbury, I am working hard to see Post Office services restored in Cleobury Mortimer. I remain committed to campaigning for better protections for valued rural services such as these. So, I have called on the Government to safeguard the network of Post Offices in rural areas and work with the sector to create a sustainable future in the longer term.”
