Fresh calls for Post Office to reopen Bradford branch shut for nearly six months
Tong Street Post Office in Holme Wood closed suddenly in October
THE Post Office has provided an update on one of its Bradford branches which has been shut for nearly six months.
Tong Street Post Office in Holme Wood closed suddenly on October 21, with bosses saying it was due to “operational reasons”.
Tong Councillor Matt Edwards, who is leader of the Green Party group on Bradford Council, has this week again urged the Post Office to reopen the branch as soon as possible – describing it as a “lifeline” for the community.
The Post Office said it was in talks with three parties interested in taking over the running of the branch – and added it was “working hard to restore service as soon as possible”.
Cllr Edwards said: “A lot of people rely on this Post Office – there are a lot of people in Holme Wood and on Tong Street who don’t drive.
“They need a Post Office to get things like cash – there are no cash machines around here – and to be able to send post to family.
“The nearest Post Office is quite a considerable distance away – and if you don’t drive, that’s public transport you’ve got to pay for.
“It can be an hour or two to get to the nearest Post Office – and that’s just unacceptable.”
He added: “This Post Office is a lifeline for the community. At a time when banks and other services have retreated, people have always relied on having a Post Office close at hand.
“Not having it open has been causing a lot of issues for a lot of people.”
He added that “a lot of people” have been “very angry” with “lacklustre” statements from the Post Office over the matter.
He added: “My message to the Post Office is simple – get it open again.
“People need it.”
We put the concerns to the Post Office – and a spokesperson said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Tong Street Post Office for operational reasons since October 21.
“We know how important a Post Office is to a community and the vacancy has been advertised and we have had interest expressed from three retailers.
“We are now in discussion with those three parties and we will then decide which option to consult on.
“We are working hard to restore service as soon as possible.
“In the interim, alternative branches include Birkenshaw, Bierley, St Johns and Sticker Lane.”