Uncertainty as Gornal post office faces closure
Residents fear they are about to lose their local post office after staff were told it would close at the end of the month.
The News Express store in The Straits, in Gornal, which features the post office inside, has already been closed by operator Dave's Discount Stores Ltd, with post office trading to cease at the end of January.
Customers can still access the post office through the closed store.
Dudley North MP Ian Austin and councillors in Gornal are now seeking assurances that the service will continue to be delivered in the area, which could involve finding a new location.
Shop workers at News Express were informed they would be losing their jobs shortly before it closed last week, while those manning the post office learned they would also be made redundant.
The closure will mean the nearest post office will be be nearly a mile away in Louise Street, Gornal Wood, potentially creating difficulties for elderly people who rely on the service.
Even if a solution is found for the site in The Straits, a lengthy closure appears to be on the cards, Mr Austin fears.
Mr Austin said it was the Post Office's duty to ensure 90 per cent of people are within a mile of their nearest service.
He said: "We have already been in touch with lots of people on The Straits who are concerned that their post office could be closed for some time.
"We're working for local residents and urging the Post Office to keep the branch open."
Councillor Stuart Turner said: "I know that local people rely on this service to collect their pensions and keep in touch with loved ones.
"We'll be working hard to speak up for residents and keep disruption to a minimum."
Post Office spokeswoman Kathryn Hollingsworth said the company was committed to keeping the service running.
She said: "The postmaster at The Straits has expressed an interest in leaving and we are currently looking for a new operator to run the Post Office locally.
"Customers should be assured that the Post Office is committed to maintaining a service to local customers.
"If this change involves a relocation of the Post Office it would be subject to a full public consultation and we will work hard to minimise any inconvenience to our customers during the transition."
Ms Hollingsworth said any retailer interested in running the Post Office branch should call the firm on 0845 266 8790 or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk
