Post Office in talks to reopen branch

The Post Office has said it is in talks to reopen a branch in Bradford which has been shut for almost six months.

Tong Street Post Office, in Holme Wood, closed suddenly on 21 October due to "operational reasons".

Councillor Matt Edwards, who is leader of the Green Party group on Bradford Council and represents the area, has urged the firm to reopen the branch as soon as possible, describing it as a "lifeline" for the community.

The Post Office said it was in talks with three parties interested in taking over – and added it was "working hard to restore service as soon as possible".

Edwards said a lot of people in the area had relied on the branch especially those who do not drive.

"They need a Post Office to get things like cash – there are no cash machines around here – and to be able to send post to family."

He said the nearest branch was a "considerable distance away" and if people did not drive they had to pay to use public transport.

"This Post Office is a lifeline for the community," he said.

A spokesperson for the Post Office told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: apologised for any inconvenience and said they recognised the importance of the branch to the community.

"We are now in discussion with those three parties and we will then decide which option to consult on.

"We are working hard to restore service as soon as possible," a spokesperson added.

They said alternative branches included Birkenshaw, Bierley, St Johns and Sticker Lane.

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