More than a third of TG Jones in-store post offices closing by 2027
The Guardian reports 36 post offices in TG Jones stores have shut this year, with 34 more due to close by early 2027, raising concern about postal access on high streets.
The story in focus
The Guardian reports that 36 post offices inside TG Jones stores have closed this year, with a further 34 due to shut by early 2027, based on Post Office records the paper analysed. Towns including Stevenage, Bracknell, Orpington, Hull, York and Telford lose branches.
- The Guardian says 36 post offices within TG Jones stores have closed so far this year
- A further 34 are due to close by early 2027, per Post Office records analysed by the paper
- The chain formerly known as WH Smith operated 180 in-store post offices before Modella's restructure
- Towns and smaller cities including Stevenage, Bracknell, Orpington, Hull, York and Telford are affected
- The Post Office says there is interest in taking on every location where a closure is confirmed
What is closing and where
The Guardian reports that 36 post office branches inside TG Jones stores have closed this year, with another 34 scheduled to shut by early 2027, according to Post Office records the paper analysed. Before Modella's restructure won creditor approval in July, the chain formerly branded WH Smith operated 180 in-store post offices, and fears had centred on up to 60 closures.
The Guardian says towns such as Stevenage, Bracknell and Orpington, and smaller cities including Hull and York, are each losing two post offices within months. Telford is due to lose its last branch in January, while Essex, the West Midlands, Wales, Suffolk and Hertfordshire are among the harder-hit areas.
Replacement pledges and local impact
The Post Office told the Guardian it has interest in taking on every location where a TG Jones closure is confirmed, with some sites attracting more than 40 applications from postmasters. So far only Stirling has reopened after a closure, with a permanent replacement planned for Ipswich in November and temporary branches due in Maidenhead and Uxbridge.
The Guardian reports that most affected sites had replaced former crown post offices, which offered services including identity and passport checks and banking. The Post Office's evidence to a parliamentary inquiry said almost a third of small and medium-sized businesses use a branch at least weekly. The CWU's Mole Meade warned of areas becoming postal deserts.
How many post offices in TG Jones stores have closed this year, and how many more are due to shut?
The Guardian reports 36 have closed this year, with a further 34 due to close by early 2027, based on Post Office records analysed by the paper.
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