THE future of Melksham Post Office is in doubt after the empty shop unit earmarked for the new branch has been leased and is to become a restaurant.
The town’s Post Office was set to move from its current location on Church Street to 6-8 Bank Street earlier this year as part of a nationwide restructuring of the post office. The new store was set to form part of a shop run by Crab & Andrews Retail Ltd who sell greeting cards, stationery, packaging and confectionery, and currently operate two post office branches from within their stores in Bristol.
However, the initial proposed opening date in May never materialised and the move was delayed indefinitely for an unknown reason.
Now, the proposed unit has been leased to a Mr Zoku for 15 years to become a restaurant although it is not known what type of restaurant at this stage. An application for the sale of alcohol has been made for the premises.
A Post Office spokesperson said, “We are aware of plans to redevelop the site. We are committed to maintaining Post Office services in Melksham and will update customers and local representatives of further developments in due course.”
Speaking earlier this year when the move was delayed Cllr Jon 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.”
