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A hunt for a new postmaster or mistress has been launched in Portishead – with a package on offer of £80,000. Post Office Limited is advertising for a new franchise to run a main post office in the town following news McColls is to close.
Retail giant Morrisons announced earlier this year it is to close 132 of its McColls stores across the UK which it bought earlier this year in a rescue deal. The McColls store in Portishead High Street – which houses the town’s Post Office – is among those earmarked for closure.
The outlet is the only post office in the town and often sees large queues. There was previously a post office at the marina but that closed a few years ago.
READ MORE: Roads to close across Somerset town for Christmas lights switch-on
It is understood the current post office will remain open until the New Year. The Post Office says it is looking for a retailer to incorporate a main post office into their existing business.
The estimated fee payable for taking over the service is between £72,900 and £81,000 a year. The closing date is May next year, but it may close earlier if there is sufficient interest.
The advert comes at the same time as North Somerset Council leader Councillor Steve Bridger is to hold crunch talks with Post Office bosses to ensure a service remains in the town. Councillor Bridger said: “I cannot countenance a town the size of Portishead being left without an accessible Post Office counter service.
“I have convened a meeting with the Post Office for early December to ensure this stays a top priority.”
A Post Office spokesman said: “Portishead Post Office is expected to remain open throughout the Christmas period and will close in the New Year.
“We will undertake an assessment of the local area and will be working closely with nearby postmasters to support them with the likely increase in footfall for both their Post Office and their own retail services and will review requirements for the local community.”
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