Commenting following the meeting, Steve said:
“Following reports yesterday that Post Office Ltd were looking at offering their St Austell branch out for franchising, I was keen to meet with Post Office representatives at the earliest opportunity.”
“I understand from Post Office Ltd that in cases such as this, where branches are loss making, they are offered out for franchising – St Austell is one of 39 branches national that are being offered this year.”
“Typically the franchise is awarded to a high street retailer with a track record and it is likely that the new operator would move location into the town centre – which would be good for the town.”
“Post Office Ltd tell me that all staff will be offered redeployment to another Post Office, redundancy or transfer over to the new business.”
“I am reassured that no compulsory job losses are expected and that far from the possible loss of a branch which is in difficulties, a successful franchise would appear to secure the future of a Post Office branch hopefully in a better location in St Austell town centre for the future.”
“I will continue to work with Post Office Ltd through this process to secure the best outcome for our town.”
Once an operator is identified there will be a public consultation which Post Office Ltd expect to be in the next few months.
For more information contact James Mustoe on 07885277670 or at [email protected]