Closing city's Post Office would be 'an insult'

Sunderland's Fawcett Street branch of the Post Office is one of 115 at risk of closure

Closing a city centre Post Office branch would be an "insult" to residents, opposition councillors have said.

The Fawcett Street branch in Sunderland was named in a list of 115 branches threatened with closure.

The company said it was looking at options for its wholly-owned branches around the country, which employ about 1,000 people.

But Sunderland City Council's Heather Fagan said it would be a "dereliction of duty" to those living in the city if the branch was allowed to close.

In a speech to sub-postmasters on Wednesday, the Post Office's new chairman Nigel Railton outlined plans for the organisation.

He said the business "urgently" needed "a fresh start" and claimed nearly half of its branches are either not profitable or only turn a small profit.

'Disastrous' closures

Fagan, deputy leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, called on the government to step in to keep the branch open.

She said: "The prospect of not having a city centre Post Office is extremely worrying, especially on the back of the disastrous and avoidable closure of M&S and on top of other big name stores like Wilko and Debenhams shutting up shop in recent years.

"We need anchor institutions like the Post Office to bring people into the town and so people can access services that they have to do in person at a post office."

Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said Post Offices were a staple of city and town centres.

"It is our understanding that no firm decisions have been made as of yet, and we are seeking a meeting with the Post Office to understand in greater detail the rationale behind their announcement," he said.

As part of the review, the Post Office said options for the 115 sites could include alternative franchise arrangements.

This would see them run by another company.

Sharon Appleby, CEO of the Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), said the Fawcett Street branch being at risk was "very concerning".

"However, our understanding is that the Post Office is also looking at the options for franchising or possibly transferring ownership to other retail partnerships, so there could be a possible positive outcome," she said.

"At this stage we can only monitor the situation closely and add our support for the retention of the Sunderland branch."