Oswestry Post Office Among Branches Considered for Franchising

The Post Office is inviting expressions of interest from companies that may wish to franchise its wholly-owned post offices, with the Oswestry location being among them. In a letter sent to North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan, the company stated that advertisements for this initiative would be active from December 2 to January 3. The Oswestry branch is one of 115 Directly Managed Branches (DMBs) that are at risk of closure, as the Post Office explores various options for their future. However, the company affirmed that no final decisions have been made regarding these branches, and it will be communicating with unions until March 2025. Approximately 2,500 residents and businesses in Oswestry signed a petition opposing the potential closure. The Post Office explained that it was compelled to consider this move due to a range of challenges, including stiff competition from rival parcel operators and a reduction in letters being sent, which has consequently impacted revenues at its branches. “While it’s good to see the Post Office confirming that no decisions have been made, exploring franchising raises real questions about maintaining the level of service our community depends on,” said Morgan. “I will keep pushing to ensure Oswestry’s needs are not overlooked, particularly given how the Crown branch offers a full range of services to local businesses which would be lost otherwise.”