News story

19th August 2004

Lib Dems Fight Tesco over Plans to Shut Brimsham Park Post Office

Steve Webb MP outside the one stop shop at Brimsham Park, Yate

Local Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to oppose plans by Tesco to close the post office currently in the One Stop Convenience Store at Brimsham Park, Yate. A letter from Tesco to Northavon MP Steve Webb reveals that when the shop is converted into a "Tesco Express", the company does not plan to retain the existing post office.

Whilst Tesco's have said that they will try to assist with finding alternative premises,  local residents are sceptical that there is anywhere else in the neighbourhood that would be suitable. Now Lib Dem MP Steve Webb is to demand a meeting with Tesco management and has started a petition campaign to persuade Tesco's to keep the post office in the new store if an alternative location cannot be found.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

"Tesco make a big fuss about everything they put in to the community but here they are planning to remove an important community facility. For many people, including many older people, a local post office is a convenient way to get cash, and also becomes something of a meeting point. We need a big response from local people to tell Tesco's  that we expect them to make sure we keep the local post office in Brimsham Park."