Luton Town Centre’s Final Post Office to Close

Confirmation has been received that the sole remaining post office within a town centre will cease operations following the closure of the WHSmith branch where it is located. The high street bookseller and stationery retailer stated that its outlet at the Luton Point shopping centre is “no longer sustainable to continue to trade from”. Its closure on January 18 will result in the closest post office being situated approximately one mile (1.6km) away in Bury Park. A spokesperson for the Post Office commented: “We know how important a post office is to a community and we’re looking at post office provision in the area.” Additionally, a branch of The Entertainer toy shop, also situated within the shopping centre, is slated for closure. Nigel Overton, who serves as head of region for The Entertainer, remarked: “We’re proud of the service we’ve offered and are committed to supporting our employees through this situation.” Rachel Hopkins, the Member of Parliament for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, expressed her “very disappointed” reaction to the impending closure. She further stated: “[Residents] rely on the post office for essential access to services including postal services, banking, the application and certification of ID, and collection of benefit and pension payments for those who are unable to open bank accounts.” The MP has communicated in writing to the company, aiming to “ensure an alternative post office location is being sought out in the town centre”. WHSmith indicated that its employees would receive support and, where feasible, be reassigned to other stores in the vicinity.