Council Leader Urges Government to Intervene on Post Office Closure Threat

The leader of North East Lincolnshire Council has called upon the government to intervene in the potential closure of a local Post Office branch. The Grimsby Victoria Street South branch is among 115 crown-owned locations facing closure following a recent strategic review announced by the state-owned company. Councillor Philip Jackson has formally communicated with Jonathan Reynolds, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, requesting his assistance. Jackson stated, “This is something that we feel really strongly about, and wanted to get to the highest authorities as soon as possible.” Jackson highlighted the branch’s central role in the town centre, noting that ongoing development in the area is projected to significantly increase footfall in the coming years. He asserted, “To consider closure of the Post Office at this point would be a damaging and backwards step, particularly when our residents are starting to see visible signs of positive and impactful change on the high street.” He further added, “We will continue to petition government to keep the Post Office open in the town centre, to try to make sure that we keep the best facilities here for our residents and businesses.” Previously, Melanie Onn, the MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, initiated a petition aimed at preventing the branch’s closure. Onn expressed that she was “deeply saddened” by the risk to the Grimsby Victoria Street South branch, describing it as “a lifeline for so many residents.” The consultation also places branches in Bridlington, Bransholme, and Stamford, across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, at risk of closure, a move that has drawn criticism from residents. The strategic review’s objective is to establish a more commercially sustainable position for the Post Office. The company reported pre-tax losses exceeding £80m in the 2022/23 financial year and relies on an annual government subsidy.