The Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council will write to the boss of the Post Office to demand the branch in Morecambe town centre is spared from closure.
In November it was revealed that Morecambe town centre's branch on Victoria Street is on a list of 115 loss making post offices earmarked for possible closure, in a radical shake-up to stabilise its finances.
The branches listed are what’s known as ‘crown’ branches – ones that are owned and operated directly by the Post Office rather than under agreements with subpostmasters.
At the latest full County Council meeting, Morecambe South County Cllr Charlie Edwards described Morecambe as ‘a diamond in the rough’ and crucial for the community it serves, as he put forward a notice of motion calling for a rethink.
Cllr Edwards said: ‘’Morecambe has survived better than others, and has a shopping precinct with more occupied units than empty ones.
‘’Morecambe Business Improvement District manager John O’Neill’s describes the post office as playing a vital role in keeping people connected in a time when we are increasingly becoming disconnected.
“It’s a huge driver of footfall into the town, creating loads of jobs and supporting cash businesses such as pubs, cafes and charity shops.''
“Yes, of course you can go online to do your banking – but if you’re a pub and you run out of pound coins and you open in half an hour, there’s nowhere you can order that online.
“The post office picks up what the banks leave behind.
“The back of the building is the Royal Mail sorting office, so it won’t be able to be sold for very much, or attract much rent from a tenant, so we’ll still have an empty building, still paying for it to be maintained.’’
Following a debate, the members of Lancashire County Council voted unanimously for the authority to write to the Post Office’s chief executive to demand that the branches in Morecambe, as well as in nearby Poulton-le-Fylde and Morecambe are saved.
The motion says: ‘’Lancashire County Council notes with disappointment the decision of the Post Office to close branches across the country, including Poulton and Morecambe here in Lancashire.
‘’Council further notes that thousands of residents have expressed their opposition to this decision, given the impact that these closures are likely to have, particularly on vulnerable and elderly residents in rural communities.
‘’Council therefore resolves to: Request that the Chief Executive writes to the Chief Executive of the Post Office, asking that they reconsider the decision to close Poulton and Morecambe Post Offices in Lancashire.
‘’Request that the Chief Executive writes to all Lancashire Members of Parliament to ask for their support in retaining our Post Offices.
‘’Request that the Scrutiny Management Board considers whether inclusion of this matter is relevant to the scrutiny working group on Banking Hubs agreed at Full Council on 17 October 2024, to ensure the needs of vulnerable residents, particularly in our rural communities, are considered in full.’’
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
