Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey has shared her dismay to the announcement that all remaining Crown Post Offices will be franchised.
The Post Office has revealed plans to hand over its remaining directly-owned branches to franchisees by the autumn.
It confirmed that it is offloading 108 crown branches which are currently directly owned and run by the company.
The process could see the sites taken over by other businesses, while others could face closure as franchises are moved to different premises.
Both Salford Precinct and Eccles Post Office branches were among more than one hundred across the UK at risk of closure.
The Eccles branch is on Church Street, whilst the Salford branch is at Salford Precinct on Rossall Way, in Pendleton.
Following the decision from the Post Office, Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey shared her concerns for the Salford community.
She said: “The new that all remaining Crown Post Offices will be franchised is a devastating blow to communities like Salford, and I am extremely angry and disappointed that this has been allowed to happen.
“It is a deal done behind closed doors with no community engagement.”
Rebecca Long Bailey, alongside a group of 21 MP’s including Worsley and Eccles MP Michael Wheeler, wrote a letter to the government requesting a full written response that will be able to provide full transparency to everyone involved.
The Salford MP shared her disappointment in the news, she added: “Our Post Office is as an essential part of the local economy, staffed by well-trained individuals who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles.
“It is a vital service relied upon by residents and businesses alike, including those who collect their pensions and benefits in person.”
Rebecca Long Bailey MP further shared her upset for the decision, by referring to previous franchises such as WH Smith, as she continued.
“Franchising has already shown itself to be insecure and unfit for purpose in many cases. In too queues, slow transactions, and poorer customer service.
“Advice on products is often lacking in quality, and access for disabled people is not always properly provided for.”
And with the Crown Post Office’s franchising, the Salford MP added: “Salford must retain its Post Office, existing Crown Post Office staff and guarantee the level of service that our communities have to rely on.”
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