Bath is set to lose its city centre Post Office following the impending closure of the former WH Smith store on Stall Street. The Post Office, which has operated from above the shop since 2019, will close its doors on 1 September. The shop itself, rebranded as TG Jones last year, will cease trading on 10 September.
Local Member of Parliament Wera Hobhouse and councillors have engaged with Post Office officials in an effort to prevent a permanent departure from the city centre. The Liberal Democrat MP emphasised the vital role these services play, stating, “Post Office counter services are essential in so many aspects of our daily lives and are even a lifeline for many. I will provide every support to Bath and North East Somerset Council to ensure future provision in the city centre for our residents.”
“Post Office counter services are essential in so many aspects of our daily lives and are even a lifeline for many.”
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Discussions may involve assisting in securing a suitable new location should the Post Office seek to reopen within another retail space. Manda Rigby, the council cabinet member for Bathwick, also spoke in support, saying, “The Post Office fulfils a service to our residents like no other institution. The Lib Dems are fighting for both a main office and the branches in Bath to continue to serve our population.”
A spokesperson for the Post Office confirmed plans to open a replacement branch as soon as possible, suggesting that customers could utilise alternative branches at Lower Weston and Battle Walk in the meantime. They added, “We know how important our products and services are to the local community. We have already received expressions of interest from some retailers and we are now looking more closely at the interest expressed.”
In response to the closure, the Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling for the reopening of a Post Office in Bath’s city centre, highlighting the strong community demand. However, Green councillor Joanna Wright expressed that this initiative does not go far enough. She urged the council to take a proactive role by opening a new Post Office within one of the many council-owned properties, noting that the Post Office usually prefers to operate within retail shops.
In an open letter to the council leader, Ms Wright questioned the council’s priorities, pointing out, “Many residents will question the council’s priorities when it is prepared to invest £1.7 million of WECA funding to convert the former Post Office building into a Fashion Museum, yet there is no longer a Post Office serving the city centre.”
The original WH Smith store was renamed TG Jones following the sale of WH Smith’s high street business last year. The new owners subsequently announced plans to close shops at 150 locations nationwide, including Bath. The closure of Bath’s main Post Office underscores concerns about maintaining essential services in the city centre for its residents.