Gosforth Post Office move could damage high street, MP warns

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Plans to move a suburban Newcastle post office are being opposed by rival politicians.

The Gosforth branch could be moved from its current location inside the shopping centre to a new base at nearby Salters Road.

A consultation process is under way with residents but opponents to the scheme fear the move would make it less accessible to customers.

Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell has lodged her opposition to the Post Office’s plans ahead of the July 31 closing date for comments.

Liberal Democrat councillors representing Gosforth are also opposing the moves.

She said: “Like a significant number of my constituents, I am extremely concerned about the Post Office’s proposals for the future of Gosforth post office.

“The current branch is well-located, easily accessible and sits at the heart of Gosforth’s retail hub.

“The new branch would see all of my constituents having to go out of their way to access the new post office, which also has very limited parking and a small number of bus routes.

“I fear the proposed new branch will damage both Gosforth High Street and the Post Office - and simply will not result in the outcome we all want to see.

“The Post Office must now look at alternative options - including working with local people who might be interested in this opportunity - to keep the branch much closer to the High Street.”

The Post Office says the new branch, which could be put inside the Loco Store, would have a modern design with longer opening hours from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 10pm on Sunday.

They say the move is part of a major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business.

But Coun Jackie Slesenger, Lib Dem for West Gosforth, is also worried by the proposals and has started a petition against closing the St Nicholas Avenue site.

She said: “It doesn’t make sense. The post office is in the heart of Gosforth.

“There are two new cycle routes planned nearby, while there are hundreds of buses a day and many parking spaces. Moving the post office away from the centre seems counter intuitive.”

Nobody from the Post Office was available for comment.