Appeal after post office closes

The shop has been empty since last year

Torbay MP Kevin Foster has urged Torquay town centre businesses to come to the rescue after one of the resort’s remaining post offices closed.

The outlet in Torwood Street is set to close permanently after an appeal for expressions of interest in the chance to run it fell on deaf ears.

The branch was forced to shut last year after the McColl’s retail chain which hosted it went into administration. Since then, the shop has stood empty and efforts to find a new person or business to take on the post office service have failed, despite visits to the area by post office representatives.

A further appeal this week also drew a blank, and has confirmed the lack of interest in taking the service on. The branch will not be re-opened and the nearest alternative post office is the main branch in Union Street.

Mr Foster said: “It is a pity to see this service lost, especially as it was cited as a convenient alternative for a cash withdrawal when nearby bank branches closed.

“If a local business near the site could take it on I would urge them to contact the post office about it.”