Hundreds back Gloucester MP’s call to save King’s Square Post Office branch from closure

Hundreds of people are backing Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre’s petition to save the King’s Square Post Office branch from closure. Post Office bosses revealed in November that up to 115 of its wholly-owned branches, branches and hundreds of jobs are at risk as part of a shake-up of the business.

The plans could involve other arrangements such as franchises where an operator like the retailer WHSmith or other third parties could take on the branches. But Labour MP Alex McIntyre is calling on the Post Office to save the King’s Square branch.

He says that that branch is an essential community service in the city centre. The post office is a lifeline for many, in particular for elderly and other vulnerable residents who rely on it for banking, paying bills and accessing government services, he said.

At least 420 people have so far signed the petition to save the branch. People can read the petition by clicking here.

And he set up a stall outside the branch on Friday, March 7. Mr McIntyre has had several meetings with Post Office bosses and keeping the site open in some form is among the three options being considered.

However, Post Office chiefs say the King’s Square branch is losing money. And closure is a real possibility as is its relocation to a franchise.

“King’s Square Post Office provides an absolutely vital community service,” Mr McIntyre said. “I’ve had so many conversations with people who are as passionate as I am about keeping this post office open.

“I’m doing everything I can to make this happen, because I really believe a city centre post office is essential for a city like Gloucester.

“We have so much to be proud of in our city and it’s so important that we protect institutions like this, to ensure older and vulnerable people have access to services and that city centre businesses that rely on the Post Office don’t have to go elsewhere.

“My message is simple: Save King’s Square Post Office.”