Scarborough Post Office branch to close under TG Jones restructuring
Scarborough’s main Post Office branch is set to close in the “next few months”, prompting concerns about the impact on residents who rely on the town centre service.
The Post Office has confirmed that its branch inside the TG Jones store at 106-107 Westborough in Scarborough will close as part of a wider restructuring programme.
The Post Office branch is expected to shut “shortly before the store closes” and a final closure date has not yet been confirmed.
It added that it was reviewing applications from potential operators and searching for an alternative location in Scarborough.
The closure has prompted concern among local councillors, who fear it could leave many residents without easy access to key services.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Janet Jefferson, who represents Castle Ward, said she was particularly worried about people who currently travel into the town centre to use the branch.
“A lot of people use that branch,” she said.
“A lot of them get the bus, get off in the town centre, and it’s easy for them.”
Cllr Jefferson said alternative branches at Falsgrave Road and Newlands Park would be less convenient for many users.
“I know Falsgrave, if you’ve got a car, is fine, but if you haven’t, it’s a long way to go.”
The Post Office has identified the Falsgrave Road branch, around 0.7 miles away, and the Newlands Park branch, around 1.4 miles away, as alternative locations while it seeks a permanent replacement.
According to the Post Office, a similar range of services will be available at Falsgrave Road, while Newlands Park does not offer Passport Check and Send services.
While expressing concern about the closure, Cllr Jefferson said she hoped another town centre business would take over the franchise and maintain a Post Office presence in the heart of Scarborough.
“I’m hoping that someone within the town centre will take it over,” she said.
“It’s a footfall driver for a business. It’s who wants to take it over, but I think somebody will take it over within their store.”
The Post Office said in its letter: “The provision of a Post Office service to our customers in the area is important to us, and we are working hard to find a location nearby to continue offering Post Office services to the local community in Scarborough.”
Customers and local residents can submit comments on the closure plans by emailing [email protected], visiting postofficeviews.co.uk, calling 03452 66 01 15, or writing to FREEPOST Your Comments. The Post Office said comments would remain confidential unless respondents specifically requested otherwise. (Letter supplied by user.)
The closure follows similar changes elsewhere, including the recently announced closure of the main Post Office branch in York city centre following restructuring by Modella Capital, the owner of TG Jones.
TG Jones has been contacted for a comment.