A MAJOR overhaul has sparked worries that an 'essential service' described as the ‘ultimate safeguard’ could close in Yate, 

The Post Office revealed it is looking to offload 115 directly-owned branches within its 11,500-strong network, including the one at Yate’s Shopping Centre, under plans announced by the group last Wednesday.

This could see post offices transferred to retail partners or postmasters, or potentially closed.

MP Claire Young has written to the Post Office chief executive urging them to halt any plans which could see it close and potentially leave the town without a branch.

Ms Young – who said the potential closure would have ‘far-reaching implications’ - this week wrote to Post Office boss Nick Reid, urging him to think again and challenged him to provide clarity.

She said: “It is deeply worrying to hear that this site is potentially up for closure and the news has come as a real shock to the local community who rely upon it.  

“If this branch were to close, this would not only affect those living in Yate, but also Chipping Sodbury and the villages.

“The closure would have far-reaching implications, making it incredibly difficult for businesses and older people to access their money and other services.

“At a time when we’ve seen bank after bank shut up shop on our high streets, many have come to rely on the Post Office as part of their day-to-day lives.

“Indeed, many looked to the Post Office as their ultimate safeguard – trusting that they would be able to rely on it when all else failed.

“That’s why the news of this closure has caused great worry.”

In her letter to the Chief Exec, she also asked for answers over when the closures were decided, what consultation process is being followed, and how people can lodge their objections to the proposals.

The MP has also launched a petition to try and save the Post Office.

Mayor Ben Nutland said: “I am deeply concerned about this potential closure.

“This branch is a vital part of our community, providing essential services to residents and supporting local businesses.

“I urge the Post Office to reconsider its plans and prioritise protecting jobs and access to these crucial services for everyone in Yate.”

About 1,000 workers employed across the branches could find their roles at risk, with the Post Office confirming that hundreds of further jobs are under threat as its headquarters looks to streamline office operations.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are considering a range of options to reduce our central costs.

“This includes considering the future of our remaining directly managed branches (DMBs), which are loss-making.

“We have had long held a publicly-stated ambition to move to a fully franchised network and we are in dialogue with the unions about future options for the DMBs.”

Post Office chair Nigel Railton added that the shake-up will also offer a ‘new deal for postmaster’ by increasing their share of revenue and giving them a greater say in the running of the business as it looks to move on from the Horizon IT scandal that saw hundreds of subpostmaster wrongfully convicted.

The 115 branches put at risk are the only remaining branches directly owned by the Post Office, down from close to 400 in 2010.