Urmston Crown Post Office - facing an uncertain future (From Messenger Newspapers)

Urmston Crown Post Office - facing an uncertain future

1:49pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By Rick Bowen

A QUESTION mark is hanging over the future of Urmston Crown Post Office.

The company is undertaking what it calls a “modernisation” programme of its business and the facility, currently on Higher Road, could be moved into new retail premises.

Urmston councillor Jo Harding said the Post Office has assured her a service will be maintained if the move goes ahead and it has has also ruled out job losses.

But Cllr Harding said she will be monitoring the situation to see how it develops.

She said: “As an Urmston councillor I will be holding the Post Office to account because the services provide a vital community hub for the people of Urmston. We want to be absolutely sure that any changes that take place don’t mean a loss of services for people. The people of Urmston musn’t lose out.”

Cllr Harding said the post office is “incredibly important” to the people of Urmston by providing a diverse range of services.

A Post Office spokesman said: “We are currently undertaking the biggest business transformation in the history of the Post Office. Our overall investment will maintain the size of the network and modernise branches to meet customer needs.”

The spokesman added there will be a six week public consultation period if a suitable retailer is found.

Cllr Harding, a Labour councillor, said she has also been assured by the company Urmston Crown Post Office will remain on its current site on Higher Road if a suitable retail premises isn’t found.