MP James Heappey says he is delighted that the Post Office has announced a six-month grace period for Highbridge Post Office, which was due to shut down later this month.
The Post Office in Church Street was set to close on October 25th due to the resignation of the operator after the sale of the premises fell through.
However, Stuart Taylor, external relations manager at the Post Office, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that an agreement had been reached on Thursday to keep it running. He said: “The Postmaster at Highbridge told us earlier this year that he wanted to sell the premises as a private business and that he’d found someone to take it on.”
“However, when that deal fell through, he said that he’d be serving his notice and leaving, with a closing date for the Post Office of October 25th.”
“On Thursday, we had another conversation with the Postmaster and he has reconsidered his position and agreed to stay on for another six months. We will be helping him put a long-term plan in place and helping him with the retail side of the business as well.”
“It’s good news for people in Highbridge, who will have their Post Office over Christmas at the busiest time of the year.”
Highbridge’s MP, James Heappey, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am thrilled a deal has been secured to ensure Highbridge’s Post Office stays open. I look forward to working with the Post Office to ensure a long term service remains in the town.”
“Everyone should be clear that at no point was the Post Office withdrawing its service from Highbridge. This was a contractual issue and I look forward to seeing a Post Office in Highbridge for many years to come.”
Scott Watts, Highbridge’s postmaster, said: “With this arrangement in place, I would urge the people of Highbridge to come out and support their Post Office to keep it viable in the future.”
As we first reported yesterday, Highbridge Post Office was due to close down on October 25th with the loss of four jobs.
