Hanley Post Office in jeopardy over WHSmiths move

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/Article/images/28757059/12715611.jpgTHE city centre is set to lose its only post office after bosses at WHSmith announced they are quitting the shopping centre.

Neither business, which share the same unit, has identified an alternative location – to cast serious doubts over their future in Hanley.

WHSmith – one of the longest serving tenants at intu Potteries – will leave in April when the lease expires. The decision means the post office, which is located at the rear of the store, will also be on its way out.

Officials at WHSmith say they are 'pursuing alternative locations' in the area but a Post Office spokesman said the organisation currently has 'no confirmed relocation plans' in Hanley.

Now concerns have been raised by shoppers over the loss of both businesses and where they will relocate.

Doug Wardle, chairman of the City Centre Partnership, fears the proposed changes will have a negative impact on footfall.

He said: "The post office does bring people into the area and I would like to see them stay in the city centre.

"I can't imagine Hanley not having such a facility."

Shoppers say they will lose a 'lifeline service' when the post office closes its city centre branch.

But officials at the centre say they are hopeful they can find the national stationery retailer an alternative unit.

However the future of the post office remains in doubt.

A spokeswoman for WHSmith confirmed the company is set to close the Hanley store.

She said: "The WHSmith store in Hanley is due to close in April due to our forthcoming lease expiry.

"We are currently pursuing alternative locations for the store in order to maintain our presence in the town."

[GT750rider]

This sort of thing was bound to happen.
WHSmith don't care two hoots about the Post Office,( But nor would any other retailer ).
The blame for Hanley possibly having no service is Post Office Counter's.