Kidderminster post office could be closed down

It is one of 70 branches across the country which could be affected under a major shake-up, prompted by losses of £40 million a year.

Post Office bosses today said they are seeking "retail partners" for 70 branches, with counters opening up in existing shops in town and city centres.

But they have pledged all 70 areas will retain a Post Office presence and there will be no jobs lost.

The Kidderminster branch at Crown House, in Bull Ring, in the town centre, is among those which could be affected, along with Cannock and Willenhall.

A six-week consultation period is poised to start which will give customers the chance to have their say. But the move has already prompted some concern in Kidderminster.

A statement from the Post Office today said the service was undergoing "the biggest business transformation in its history".

A spokesman said: "To maintain our high street presence we are looking to find retail partners for 70 of our branches enabling us to stay in these locations.

"The 70 branches that have the potential to be partnered with a retailer will be subject to a six-week public consultation to gather the views of the local community.

"We are committed to having a Post Office branch within the area.

"If no retail partner is found we are still committed to having a Crown Post Office within the area."

But he stressed it was "not a closure programme". Kidderminster has a long-standing association with the postage system, as one of its leading campaigners was born in the town.

Sir Rowland Hill's reforms of the 19th century helped establish the first postage stamp, the Penny Black.

A pub opposite Kidderminster Post Office bears the name The Penny Black and a statue honouring his achievements stands in the town centre.

Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor John Aston today said he was "concerned" if the town lost its post office branch in favour of a shop counter.

"We have a proud history associated with the town and Rowland Hill's work so it would be a shame," he said.

"We have already lost a number of community facilities from Kidderminster town centre."

Across the country, there are around 370 Crown Post Offices owned directly by the Post Office itself. Around 3,000 of 11,500 Post Offices are already operated through retail partners.