Future of Bracknell's Post Office in Doubt

Concern has been raised over the future of TG Jones in Princess Square and Bracknell's Post Office after Post Office Ltd advertised for a new shop to host the branch.

TG Jones, previously WH Smith, operates more than 450 stores with about 4,700 staff but is set to close around 150 stores after a High Court approved its restructuring plan on Wednesday (July 1).

Speaking in the House of Commons, Bracknell's MP Peter Swallow asked: "Bracknell residents are concerned that two vital local post offices, in Crown Wood and in Bracknell town centre, are at risk of closure because of the travails of their host stores, Morrisons Daily and TGJones. That follows the recent closure of a post office in Easthampstead. Will the Minister please set out what work the Government are doing to protect these vital local services?"

The Reading Chronicle reported the Wokingham Market Place branch was set to shut but didn't mention Bracknell. Local democracy reporters saw an advert seeking applicants to run a Post Office in Bracknell.

The advert said: "Post Office Ltd is looking for a successful retailer to incorporate a Post Office Main into their existing or proposed business." It added: "The offer available in this Post Office would be: Post Office Main branch - a dedicated Post Office area, a full range of services. The exact layout and design will be agreed with you to suit your business."

The announcement offered fees in the range of £73,200 - £97,600 per year to run it, inclusive of the products listed under General Information.

Post Office Ltd told local reporters it had advertised for new operators ahead of any court ruling or landlord decision to limit disruption by lining up replacements. The adverts could be withdrawn if agreements were reached, and new vacancies may follow if leases are terminated.

A Post Office spokesperson said: "We fully recognise the challenging trading conditions that TG Jones and many other High Street retailers are facing at the moment." They added: "Following the launch of its Restructuring Plan earlier this year, TG Jones confirmed that regrettably seven of its stores will close, as will the Post Offices within those stores, around mid-July."

They said the proactive advertising was intended to speed up finding replacements: "This is to ensure that, should a branch need to close, we are in the strongest possible position to minimise disruption to customers by identifying a replacement operator as quickly as possible."

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter