Post Office future in doubt

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THE future of Weston's central post office is in doubt after its operators pulled out, calling the contract 'unprofitable'.

Primeco saved the Regent Street store from closure last year when it bought the shop from administration-hit Nearby Stores.

The Devon-based company also took on a contract to run the Post Office counter from within the building.

But this week the Mercury can reveal Primeco has cancelled the commitment, leaving Post Office Ltd looking for a new franchise partner.

Primeco property manager Alan Baldock said the decision was made because the firm was unable to make a profit out of the venture.

He blamed a covenant attached to the building which restricted what retail items could be sold on the premises, but refused to disclose what they were.

He said: "A covenant restricted what we could sell, leaving just the post office element which made it extremely difficult to maintain any profitability.

"We have since chosen not to renew the franchise because we have not found it to be economically viable."

The decision means Post Office Ltd is beginning a search for a new franchise partner to run the counter and connected shop, which are both still owned by Primeco.

A spokesman said: "Our previous franchise partner running this branch chose not to renew their contract when it expired three weeks ago.

"A temporary sub-postmaster is now running the service while we secure a new retail partner for the longer term.

"We are working hard to get somebody in, and we are doing this in confidence.

"Post Office Ltd has a long term commitment to the service from the store, and that still remains."

The Regent Street post office was one of 17 bought by the Primeco from administrators KPMG LLP.

It followed Post Office Ltd axing branches in Severn Road and Church Road in Weston town centre, Ebdon Road in North Worle and in the villages of Kewstoke, Loxton and Uphill.