I warned that putting post offices into WH Smith branches would put them at risk

‘I share the concerns of the Communication Workers Union about communities becoming postal deserts.’ Photograph: Nell Freeman (work experience)/The Guardian

In 2019, I warned the Conservative government of the danger of moving post offices into branches of WH Smith (Fears of ‘postal deserts’ as owner of former WH Smith stores puts counters under threat, 15 May).

The post office in Middleton, Greater Manchester, was about to be relocated in this manner and I, and many of my then constituents, questioned the sustainability of moving such a vital service into a failing business.

A Tory minister accused me of talking down WH Smith and said they could not envisage any problems with such a move.

It comes as no surprise just seven years later that the Middleton branch of the now TG Jones is about to close, and the post office with it.

I share the concerns of the Communication Workers Union about communities becoming postal deserts.

I do sincerely hope that some way is found for the residents of Middleton to continue to have access to vital town centre post office facilities and services.
Liz McInnes
MP for Heywood and Middleton, 2014-19

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