PLANS to move Melksham’s Post Office to new premises on Bank Street in early May have been put on hold, with the Post Office saying the move has been “delayed indefinitely”.
The new post office was due to open on Saturday 3rd May in the former Carpet Barn shop, near to the Peacocks store.
It was part of a new stationery store to be managed by Bristol retailer Crabb and Andrews which would also stock greeting cards, stationery, packaging and confectionery.
However, the Post Office has announced this is to be delayed indefinitely, with the current service to remain at the existing Church Street site for the time being. No reason has been given by the Post Office for the delay.
The Post Office announced the news in a letter to Melksham Town Council.
Sally Buchanan the Post Office francise project manager wrote saying, “The opening has been delayed and the branch will not be moving. Post Office services will continue to be offered from the existing location in Church Street for the time being.
“We will ensure customers are kept informed by posters in the branch and will write to you again once we have an update on the plans for the move.”
Local councillor Jon Hubbard is writing to the Post Office to ask for clarification on what is happening with the important town service.
Cllr Hubbard said, “Melksham cannot be left in limbo on this. We need to know what is happening and residents deserve to have the assurance that there are long-term commitments to maintaining the Post Office in Melksham town centre.
“We cannot allow false speculation to develop on this and must have answers from the Post Office.”
The decision to relocate the Melksham branch is part of a major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to ensure Post Office branches are sustainable, profitable and no longer reliant on Government funding.
