Whitley Bay set to get new post office after residents launch campaign

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The previous facility on Park Avenue closed in December but plans are now being made to open a new branch 350 metres away

A seaside town which lost its post office just before Christmas is set to get a new branch following a campaign by the community.

The Whitley Bay Post Office, previously based inside the McColl’s store on Park Avenue, closed its doors in December.

It happened after McColl’s ceased trading at the site and, as a result, the post office inside the premises also had to shut.

A petition was then started by locals, calling for a service to be retained in Whitley Bay. It was signed by hundreds of residents, staff and businesses in the town.

People said it was vital to have the facility in the area, especially as the seafront was undergoing major regeneration.

Now, the Post Office has announced it is proposing to reopen the branch 350 metres away from the previous site.

The new venue, at 205 Whitley Road, is currently empty and will be refurbished to incorporate a pharmacy.

The public are being asked to give their views on the move during a six-week consultation. Once feedback is received, a final decision will be made.

Should the plan go ahead, the branch would open from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. The scheduled opening date is July 2.

Gail Burnett, Post Office area network change manager, said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are confident that this reopened post office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”

The announcement has been welcomed by the town’s councillors who also campaigned to have the service reinstated.

Coun John O’Shea said: “This is great news for the town, both for residents and local businesses many of whom have been inconvenienced because of the closure of the previous post office.

“I very much hope that the new post office will create a new footfall to this part of the town centre which will add vibrancy to that area.”

Anyone wishing to give their views on the proposal can email comments@postoffice.co.uk, ring the customer helpline on 03457 22 33 44 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55.

Customers can also fill in a questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 481329.