Post Office saved for now as franchisee takes over at current site

Yate’s main Post Office has won a stay of execution, with a new franchisee lined up and services set to carry on from the current counter while longer‑term plans are thrashed out.

The branch will continue to operate with the same range of services “at least until the end of the current financial year,” following a campaign led by local MP Claire Young after the site was named among one hundred and fifteen Post Offices at risk of closure. More than 2,000 people signed a petition backing the cause.

Post Office has confirmed that ZCO, a Bolton‑based operator which already runs 21 former directly managed branches across the UK as well as four banking hubs, has been selected to take over the day‑to‑day running of the Yate counter. The branch will remain in its current premises in the short term while permanent arrangements are finalised.

In a letter to MP Claire Young, Post Office said it anticipates ZCO, under managing director Tan Musa, will assume operations by November 2025, with slightly extended opening on Tuesday mornings. Any relocation of the branch, if proposed, is unlikely before spring 2026 and would be subject to a six‑week local consultation under the company’s Principles of Community Engagement.

Responding to the update, Claire Young MP said: “This is a big win for Yate, with confirmation that a new franchise partner has been found and agreed to keep the premises open at its current home until at least next year.

“My focus is now working with ZCO to keep the branch as the vibrant community hub that so many rely upon. This includes ensuring no existing services are quietly stripped out.

“I will also be pushing to ensure that they commit to maintaining it in the shopping centre beyond next year, so it can remain at the heart of the town.”

Post Office added that if a move is eventually proposed it will consult customers and stakeholders and that staff consultations are under way, expected to take up to three months. Further information about Post Office services is available at postoffice.co.uk.