Future of town’s main Post Office branch is uncertain

Owner of High Street business TG Jones, Modella Capital, which bought out the High Street branches of long-standing brand WH Smith last year, has embarked on a huge restructuring which will see up to 150 shops close.

Modella blamed challenging retail conditions on the changes and a hearing to approve the restructuring plans in the High Court at the end of June heard the business was ‘highly distressed’.

If the former WH Smith in Broadway, Didcot, closed it would leave the town centre without a Post Office branch.

A Post Office spokesman said it was trying to makes plans in advance of the possible closure of the TG Jones branch.

The former WH Smith in Broadway, Didcot (Image: Google Maps)

The spokesperson said she wanted to emphasise that no decision had yet been taken regarding the TG Jones in Broadway.

She added: “We fully recognise the challenging trading conditions that TG Jones and many other High Street retailers are facing at the moment. 

“The TG Jones restructuring plan has recently been approved by the court and TG Jones is now discussing lease terms with its landlords. We wish to emphasise that no decision has been made regarding Didcot.

“We recently took the proactive step of advertising the opportunity to express an interest in operating a Post Office branch in advance of the court outcome and any decisions by landlords, including Didcot.

“This is to ensure that, should a branch need to close, we are in the strongest possible position to minimise disruption to customers by identifying a replacement operator as quickly as possible. Interest has been expressed to operate a replacement for Didcot if the need arises.”

Olly Glover, Liberal Democrat MP for Didcot and Wantage, said if TG Jones in Broadway does close, it would leave 37,000 residents of the town and others in nearby villages relying on just one Post Office branch, Georgetown.

It would also follow the controversial closure of East Hagbourne Post Office due to the resignation of the postmaster in February.

Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover in East Hagbourne with Post Office campaigners (Image: Contributed)

Mr Glover said earlier: “Not only would the Post Office face a significant increase in demand, but residents would also lose access to vital services such as passport applications, DVLA renewals and identity verification services, which are not available at this branch.

“I have written to Post Office Ltd outlining the impact these proposed changes would have on the community and the lack of nearby, accessible alternative services.”

Mr Glover has written to Blair McDougall, minister for small business, about the closure of the East Hagbourne branch.

He raised concerns following the Government’s response to a petition, with the Government defending the closure by pointing to nearby alternatives.

In his letter, Mr Glover also warned that the Broadway Post Office branch is now also at risk.

A public advert seeking a new operator for Didcot Post Office has already been published.