MP worried about future of Yate Post Office

Responding to the announcement that the Post Office will be seeking to transition all 115 Crown Post Offices, including their branch in Yate, into new franchises, Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young said:

“I am deeply disappointed that, after months of speculation, Post Office bosses have decided to offload all Crown Post Offices, including the one in Yate, without a full public consultation.

“Moving to a fully franchised model, instead of pursuing outright closures, will give some areas a welcome reprieve. However, it does not mean we won’t see closures coming down the track. 

“The focus now must be on ensuring these new franchises are properly supported. We’ve seen elsewhere in the country Post Offices moving into shops like WHSmiths, and those shops later closing - resulting in the loss of both. I hope securing the long-term future will be reflected in the public engagement for Yate. 

“Having met several times with the Post Office before this announcement, I will now be seeking a follow up meeting urgently to discuss what this means for Yate, present my local petition to keep Yate Post Office open, and ensure the local community have their chance to get involved.”