MP Campaigns to Prevent Closure of Morley Post Office

A Member of Parliament has stated his strong commitment to maintaining the operation of a local post office, which he describes as “essential”. This particular branch, located in Morley near Leeds, is among 115 nationwide facing potential closure as part of a significant restructuring initiative by the Post Office. Mark Sewards, the Labour Member of Parliament representing Leeds South West and Morley, initiated a petition to prevent the branch’s closure, which has garnered 1,800 signatures. He has also sought an urgent discussion with Nigel Railton, the chairman of the Post Office. A Post Office spokesperson indicated that the proposed closure strategy aims to “create a new operating model for the business”. Sewards commented that the post office in the town is “one of the most important destinations we have, because of the services it provides”. He further stated: “We have residents who aren’t necessarily used to using online banking, who have come to rely on the services that the post office offers.” He also noted: “The fact that so many people have signed this petition – so far over 1,800 – demonstrates a clear appetite among Morley residents to keep the post office.” Sewards confirmed his intention to engage in discussions with the Post Office regarding the branch’s viability and potential methods for its retention. He articulated that Morley lacks sufficient alternative locations providing an equivalent array of services, emphasizing that the Post Office must clarify its actions “in the event of closure, to make sure that local people didn’t lose those services”. He concluded: “We’re not going to wait to be told what the timeline is. “I’m going to ensure that I meet with a relevant minister to put our case across and to find out exactly what I need to do to keep it open.” The Post Office’s strategy involves either closing or franchising its crown offices, which are directly managed by the company instead of subpostmasters and are typically situated in urban and town centers. Residents of Morley who communicated with BBC Radio Leeds conveyed their apprehension regarding the potential loss of their local post office. Melanie Dominic stated: “It’s not just a post office, everybody knows everybody.” The 52-year-old sales negotiator expressed that she could not envision the town without the post office located at 129a Queen Street. The Post Office is exploring various options for its wholly-owned branches, which presently employ approximately 1,000 individuals and are operating at a loss. A spokesperson mentioned that these options might encompass alternative franchise agreements, potentially involving an operator such as the retailer WH Smith or another third party assuming control of the branches.