Exeter to lobby Post Office over city centre branch future

Thursday, 17 April 2025 08:15

By Guy Henderson, Local Democracy Reporter

Post Offices at Paignton, Plymouth, Teignmouth and Bideford were on an initial list of 115 branches earmarked for possible closure earlier this year, sparking an outcry.

Exeter City Council is to lobby the Post Office amid concerns for the future of counter services across the country.
Post Offices at Paignton, Plymouth, Teignmouth and Bideford were on an initial list of 115 branches earmarked for possible closure earlier this year, sparking an outcry.
The Post Office said changing shopping habits are behind the decision.
Since then, there have been suggestions that some of the threatened Post Offices could continue if franchise holders take them on.
But Exeter’s city councillors heard concerns for the future of the city’s main branch, even though it is not on the list.
Cllr Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) said that after supermarket giant Morrisons had decided to close its Sidwell Street store, and with WH Smith sites being sold, the council needed to make its voice heard.
He asked: “Will Exeter City Council make representations to the Post Office about the future provision of services in the city centre?”
Deputy council leader Laura Wright (Lab, St Thomas) said it would, and added: “It is absolutely essential that the Post Office does retain some presence somewhere in the city.”

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