Cambridge- Fears for future of key city post office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news ... ?id=477188" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

FEARS have been raised over the future of Cambridge’s main post office after it was revealed the building could be turned into a bank.

A planning application has been submitted to Cambridge City Council by Barclays to change the use of the St Andrew’s Street site.

The bank plans to move into the large building, allowing it to merge three of its city branches into one ‘flagship’ facility.

It is believed that post office bosses are investigating the possibility of moving into the premises which would be left vacant by the St Andrew’s Street branch of Barclays.

But campaigners fear moving to a smaller site would have a detrimental effect on the post office, which provides a vital service to thousands of residents.

Those opposing the move say the post office needs more space, not less, and any reduction will impact on customers.

They also say there is no guarantee the two businesses can swap sites and the move could see the post office closed with no nearby replacement in place.

Cambridge Green Party councillor Margaret Wright said: “The planning officers at the council cannot give a 100 per cent guarantee that the bank’s premises will be given to the post office.

“The post office is an important focal point in the community and the many people who use it would say it needs an enlarged space, not a reduced one.

“I was astonished that nothing has been said about it, and no attempt at a public consultation has been made. It seems like the post office is at the mercy of the private sector.”

An application made to the city council on behalf of Barclays requests permission for a change of use at the post office site “from shops to financial and professional services”.

The application was made for Barclays by property consultants Shire Consulting.

A spokesman for Shire said: “The bottom line is that there will still be a post office in the location. This will become one of Barclays’ flagship locations and represents a very significant investment by Barclays into the city’s shopping area.”

The bank hopes to move its three city centre branches at 15-16 Bene’t Street, 30 Market Hill and 57-58 St Andrew’s Street to the larger post office premises at 9-11 St Andrew’s Street.

Concerns have been raised that this could result in job losses, both in Barclays and the post office if it moves to smaller premises.

The post office does not need permission to move across the road into the current bank.

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said the company was “exploring options” but was “committed to retaining a main post office in the city centre.”

A Barclays spokeswoman confirmed the bank had submitted a planning application.

Neither company gave any information on possible job losses.