Tonbridge Post Office
Representatives of the Post Office are invited to provide an update on service provision for Tonbridge
Minutes:
Members received a statement from Laura Tarling, Public Affairs Manager, Post Office as set out below:
‘Tonbridge Post Office previously operated as a franchise by WH Smith from the Tonbridge store. There were plans to redevelop the premises and WH Smith took the decision to close the store at the lease expiry on 30 July 2022. The Post Office began the search for a replacement branch after WH Smith submitted their resignation in January 2022. There was much interest from potential applicants who had registered on the Post Office website to operate Tonbridge Post Office, but finding suitable premises that were viable for a Post Office and retail business had been challenging. The Council had put forward Tonbridge Castle as a suitable location for a temporary branch whilst the search for a permanent Post Office continued and the temporary Post Office opened on 26 August 2022 and continued to operate from Tonbridge Castle.
There had been service issues at the temporary branch and the Post Office apologised to customers who may have had to travel further to access services when the service had been unavailable. Initially, there were some technical problems with wireless connectivity which resulted in the branch temporarily closing for a short period whilst a fixed line was installed. The temporary postmaster had also experienced staff and recruitment issues which meant that periodically service had been inconsistent. Post Office had been working closely with the temporary postmaster to minimise disruption to service and continued to monitor the situation.
The search for premises for the permanent Post Office had taken longer than anticipated due to the availability of suitable premises and the Post Office had continuously been working with local stakeholders and the applicants to find a suitable location in Tonbridge and premises at 64 High Street had been identified. Two applications were currently being assessed and once the application process has been successfully completed with the successful applicant identified and premises confirmed, Post Office would announce the details and opening date of the new permanent branch. Post Office expected to be able to share a further update by the end of March 2023.
Post Office took the opportunity to thank the Council and all stakeholders for their continued support over recent months to help find suitable premises, and for hosting the temporary Post Office at Tonbridge Castle.’
Members were asked to contact the Chairman if they wished to submit any questions to Laura Tarling following the meeting.