Somerset post office in trouble as nobody wants to run it

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/som ... ad-8249040

The search for an operator to run a post office in Portishead is continuing - due to no one wanting to take on the job. The Post Office - the only one in the town - closed this in January after McColls in the High Street, where it was based, shut its doors.

Portishead is the second biggest town in North Somerset with a population expected to reach 30,000 when all the developments are complete. People now face travelling miles to Pill or Clevedon to use a post office until a new operator can be found.

Post Office Limited began searching for a new franchisee to take over the post office , perhaps in an existing business, in January. The estimated fee payable for taking over the service is between £72,900 and £81,000 a year.

As yet, no one has come forward and shown an interest in taking on the role. A spokesman for Post Office Limited said: “We know how important a post office is to a community. The vacancy is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk and we are keen to hear from local retailers who want to run a post office.

“Unfortunately, there are no interested retailers at this moment in time. In the interim alternative branches include Pill, Avonmouth Road, The Triangle and Nailsea.”

The deadline for those wanting to apply to run a post office in Portishead is May. But even if someone does come forward, the process for setting up a new franchise can be lengthy, meaning the town could be without a facility for the majority of 2023.

There used to be three post offices in Portishead including one at the marina.

[NWpostie]

Not surprising really with the current sub postmasters fiasco still dragging on......