Hessle post office could be saved

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An under-threat post office has been thrown a lifeline following top level talks.

Senior managers from Post Office Counters Limited insist there are no plans to close the Hessle branch.

Instead, it is looking for a new home.

The post office is currently based in the Spar supermarket in The Square.

However, the franchise for the post office expired last summer and Spar only lease the building.

Ownership of the building – a former cinema – recently changed hands amid speculation it could be demolished to make way for a new apartment scheme.

Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson organised a meeting with Post Office Counters Limited yesterday.

It was also attended by town and East Riding councillors.

Mr Johnson said: "We had a very productive meeting with senior managers at the Post Office.

"They reassured us it was a matter of finding a new sub-post master and not any attempt to withdraw the service in Hessle.

"They are making good progress both in terms of finding a postmaster and suitable premises."

Mr Johnson outlined three objectives he wanted met, namely, that the same number of service points remain, that the new premises are easily accessible from the Hessle square area and that there would be no redundancies.

"I left the meeting optimistic these objectives would be achieved," Mr Johnson said.

But Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Brian Jefferies, who represents Hessle, remains concerned.

He said: "It was a positive meeting in the sense Post Office Ltd has new premises in mind but I am concerned that, if it falls through, there isn't a second option.

"I do feel the Post Office Ltd is doing all it can, but I will feel much better once an announcement is made."

Post Office Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Mail Group Ltd.

Following the meeting, a spokesman for Royal Mail said: "We have again been able to reassure all concerned parties that we are committed to finding a long-term solution to continue to provide post office services in Hessle."