Birkenhead town centre is set to lose its Post Office next month in a major blow as regeneration plans gather pace.
In February, the ECHO reported that Birkenhead’s Post Office could go, as the WH Smith store in which it was located was due to close.
At the time it was thought that this would happen in July, but it has now been confirmed that Birkenhead’s WH Smith store will close on Saturday, June 5.
The Post Office has not yet been able to secure another premises in the town in which to base itself.
The news comes less than a week after Wirral councillors passed a massive plan to regenerate Birkenhead with more than 600 homes, a market and new office space, among other exciting ventures.
Cllr Pat Cleary, who represents Birkenhead and Tranmere for the Green Party, said: “I want to express my grave concern.
“With everything else going on in the town centre, this is a very dismal prospect.
“It’s common sense that if people go to the Post Office they will do other stuff as well while they’re there. There is a significant impact on footfall because of that.
“The Post Office needs to be more transparent and tell everyone what’s happening, rather than leaving people in the dark.
“The Post Office should understand that businesses hate uncertainty. Can we at least consider the public interest when trying to save the Post Office?”
Seeking to clarify the situation, a Post Office spokesperson said: “The operator for Birkenhead Post Office has resigned and the branch is due to close at its current location on Saturday 5 June, 2021.
“The store where the Post Office is based is closing due to the expiry of the lease.
“We know how important a Post Office is to a community. The vacancy has been advertised on our website www.runapostoffice.co.uk. We would welcome any applications from potential retail partners.
“We are also looking to see how service can be restored to the community as a temporary solution. Alternative branches in the area include Birkenhead Hamilton Square and Oxton Village.”
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Commenting on this issue in February, a spokesperson for Wirral Council said: “Having a vibrant, mixed-use town centre is a strategic priority for Wirral Council and it is vital we have the facilities and services that are needed by our community.
“Access to a Post Office is fundamental for local people and businesses and we continue to work with providers to help identify location opportunities which offer a good-fit to meet their specific requirements.”
