Hertford PO set to close tonight after 'being evicted'

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Hertford Post Office set to close tonight after 'being evicted'

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Hertford Post Office is set to close tonight for good, with insiders at the branch claiming they have been evicted by the landlord.

The Fore Street building will be evacuated tonight, and it is not yet known what the future holds for its future in the town.

An employee at the branch, who asked not to be named, told the Mercury the company was trying to get a temporary building set up in the town.

But he added: "How are the old and vulnerable people going to get their money?

"A lot of people here rely on the post office, more than you can imagine.

"I think there needs to be some noise made to the council and Post Office."

The Fore Street branch is the only post office in the town centre, with the nearest to that being in Bengeo.

Torquay-based Primeco Ltd, which owns the building, declined to comment, with a spokesman telling the Mercury it would let the Post Office make a statement.

The Mercury is awaiting a response from Post Office's national headquarters.

More to follow.

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Hertford Post Office given stay of execution http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/H ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hertford's Post Office has been given a stay of execution until Thursday as talks to save the branch continue.

A statement came from its head office last night that business would be open as normal today and tomorrow (January 27 and 28).

Whether a solution will be found remains unclear but it gives branch bosses an extra 48 hours to launch contingency plans.

A Post Office spokesman said: "Hertford Post Office will now be open as normal at Fore Street on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Due to unforeseen contractual matters we had been advised that the properties would no longer be available for use by Post Office Ltd from tomorrow (Tuesday).

"However, on-going talks with the landlord have allowed the branch to remain open for a further couple of days or potentially longer."

Should the shop have to close temporarily, the Post Office remains committed to running a free bus service.

These would take customers to and from the Tudor Way branch, in Sele Farm.

An employee at the branch, who asked not to be named, told the Mercury a petition will be set up to sign in the shop.

He said: "My encouragement would be to get as many people as possible to use the shop in the next couple of days.

"The more people we can get in and signing the petition, the better our chances of survival."

Torquay-based Primeco Ltd, which sublets the building, declined to comment, with a spokesman telling the Mercury it would let the Post Office make a statement.

Mark Prisk, MP for Hertford and Stortford said there had been a dispute between Primeco and the building's landlords.

"I have sought assurances that a temporary agreement can be reached and that the Post Office is going to continue trading in Hertford town centre in the long-term, even if there is a small hiccup.

"The Post Office is invaluable to people especially the elderly. Therefore, it's imperative that the Post Office carry on their service.

Labour's Parliamentary candidate, Katherine Chibah, blamed the move on the Royal Mail's privatisation in 2013.

"The closure of Hertford Post Office is a major blow to the local community," she said.

"It is a huge let down for those who collect their pensions and use it for the other services it provides. Many warned that the recent sell off of the Post Office by the Tory-led Government would lead to local closures and sadly that seems to be the case."

Peter Ruffles, a councillor at town, district and county level, also had his say on the matter.

He said: "I am working closely with the Post Office to help find alternative locations and although it's not a direct matter for the local Councils I promise every assistance I can give.

"The disruption to Post Office staff and to many town centre customers but particularly the elderly and vulnerable is huge."

"I find it incredible that such a bombshell can drop in this way and offer personal sympathy to those most seriously impacted."