Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson is campaigning to save Ware’s Post Office from permanent closure.
This follows Morrisons’ announcement that they plan to close 132 McColl’s and Martin’s stores across the UK, 55 of which include Post Offices. Martin’s on Ware High Street, where the town centre's only Post Office is located, is one of these stores. It will be forced to shut down in January next year as a result.
Ware has also lost all six of its high street banks in recent years. The Post Office at Martin’s significantly fills this void for local people. There are no guarantees a relocation to another site in Ware will be possible.
Although Morrisons are offering alternative employment to employees, they have not yet shared where this will be.
Commenting on the situation, Mrs Marson said:
“I am deeply concerned for the employees, customers of the store, and for the future use of this prime site in Ware High Street.
“Local people need local jobs and services. I know this move will cause great anxiety amongst residents who rely on the Post Office for access to cash and their other banking needs.
“I absolutely oppose the closure of the Martin’s store and will be taking steps to try to ensure that our community retains the resources it so desperately needs.”
Mrs Marson has written to both Morrisons and the Post Office, and is ready to meet with them urgently. She has also written to the Department for Businesses, Energy and Industrial Strategy to request government action.
A survey to ‘Save Ware’s Post Office’ will is available to take part in below.