Post office safeguarded as branch transfers owners
SWADLINCOTE Post Office has changed hands in a deal which safeguards its future in the town centre and employees’ jobs.
Derbyshire business V and B Retail Ltd has acquired the Post Office Ltd franchise from Tamworth Co-operative Society, ending months of anxiety over its future.
The new bosses, who will lease its premises on The Delph before buying it later this year, have pledged to keep the post office on site and open an accompanying convenience store.
V and B, which has also combined post offices and convenience stores elsewhere in the county, said it hoped to employ more staff and would also move its offices to Swadlincote.
All parties have expressed delight at the deal’s conclusion, including V and B business manager Patrick Connolly.
“I know there has been some anxiety about the future of the post office and I’m sure this will come as excellent news to the people of Swadlincote,” he said.
“I hope people will show their support by using these facilities and also the new food store.
“We are honoured to locate our offices in Swadlincote and hope to bring employment opportunities to the town.”
The Co-op provided the opportunity for the deal by continuing to run the post office for several months beyond the original September 30 closure date while efforts continued to find a new franchisee.
Co-op bosses had announced the closure of the service and accompanying clothing store following years of ‘substantial losses’.
They said they had been forced to subsidise the operation from other parts of their business for years, a situation which could not continue amid difficult trading conditions.
Co-op chief executive Julian Coles heralded the V and B deal and wished the company well.
“Although the process of securing a new owner took longer than we envisaged, this is excellent news all round,” he said.
South Derbyshire District Council chief executive Frank McArdle said the agreement was the ‘culmination of many months of negotiations involving several interested parties’.
“I am delighted the objective to infuse The Delph area with a vibrant business and retail experience has been achieved,” he said.
“This will add to footfall in the heart of town and, more importantly, continue to provide a vital service.
“The council is extremely grateful to the Co-op for keeping the faith and to the Post Office for its resolve to maintain a presence in one of the fastest growing towns in the East Midlands.
“I am confident this initiative will lead to further investment in and around The Delph area to complement the £2.3 million of Government grant that has already been invested by the council.”
