Campaign launched over loss of Wakefield city centre Post Office
TG Jones, previously WH Smith, has said it will close the branch at its store in Trinity Walk Shopping Centre at the end of February next year.
An MP has launched a campaign to protect Post Office services in Wakefield city centre following the announcement of a branch closure.
TG Jones, previously WH Smith, has said it will close the branch at its store in Trinity Walk Shopping Centre at the end of February next year.
The Post Office confirmed it had started the process of finding an alternative site following the decision.
Simon Lightwood, Labour MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, urged residents and businesses to sign a petition calling for services to be retained in the city centre.
He said: “A Post Office in the heart of Wakefield is essential.
“It provides everyday services that people rely on – from posting parcels to accessing banking facilities.
“Many older residents and those without easy access to online services depend on it for independence and convenience.
“Local businesses also rely on the Post Office to send goods and manage transactions.”
Mr Lightwood said he was working closely with the Post Office, Wakefield Council and the local business community to fight for a continued presence of facilities in the city centre.
He also expressed concern for branch staff “particularly given the timing of the closure during their busiest season.”
The MP added: “We cannot allow Wakefield to lose this vital service.
“Keeping a Post Office in the city centre ensures these services remain accessible to all and helps maintain a vibrant, thriving city centre.”
Jack Hemingway, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, said: “It’s vital for residents and businesses that Wakefield retains a Post Office in our city centre.
“The council is working with local businesses, partners, and stakeholders to try to make sure the Post Office retains this important service and finds an alternative site to serve our community into the future.”
Thomas Wales, chief executive of Wakefield Business Improvement District (BID, said: “A functioning Post Office in the city centre is essential for our businesses.
“Many rely on it daily for banking services, parcels, change, and basic operational needs that keep them trading.
“Its closure would create unnecessary barriers for those working hard to keep Wakefield’s economy moving.
“Wakefield BID fully supports this campaign and will continue working with Simon Lightwood MP, Wakefield Council and the Post Office to secure a solution that protects the businesses at the heart of Wakefield.”
A Post Office spokesperson said: “Our retail partner, TG Jones, has indicated that their store located inside the Trinity Walk Shopping Centre and which includes a Post Office is scheduled to close at the end of February 2026.
“We are liaising closely with TG Jones regarding this store.
“There are a number of alternative Post Offices nearby and we have already started the process of identifying a new operator for Wakefield Post Office in the event that this branch has to close.”