There had been fears communities around Old Swan and Breck Road would lose their services
The Post Office on Breck Road(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Two Liverpool post offices have been saved from closure after residents were left “confused” over the possible loss of services. It was revealed in November the Post Office was looking to offload 115 directly-owned Crown Post Offices within its 11,500 branch network, which could see them transferred to retail partners or postmasters, or potentially closed.
It has now been confirmed sites in Old Swan and Breck Road, Anfield, will be retained as part of a new franchise model. The two Liverpool offices are among eight sites to be transferred into franchise ownership by Manchester-firm Firstclass Managerial LTD.
When the potential closure of the two sites was first mooted last winter, concerns were raised by people in those communities over the loss of vital services. The sites are among the second tranche of locations to be taken on by franchisees and will be under new management from September.
A consultation will now be launched on proposals for both sites, which will be put on display in the Old Swan branch on Prescot Road and at Breck Road. A Post Office spokesperson said: “Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office.
Breck Road Post Office,Breck Road,Anfield.
“Our proposed franchise plans mean branches will continue to operate from the same premises while the long-term permanent proposal is confirmed, with customers being able to continue accessing the same products and services with the same opening hours.”
The sites will be taken on by Firstclass Managerial LTD, which operates 13 Post Office branches around Greater Manchester.
Run by postmaster Mikesh Parekh, the majority are larger, Mains-style branches. With more than 15 years of experience as a postmaster, Mikesh also runs Interim Solutions, which delivers a number of temporary post offices.
Between the two businesses, Mikesh currently operates around 30 branches and employs over 170 staff. The news that the sites would remain open was warmly welcomed by city councillors.
Mikesh Parkeh of First Class Retail
In a social media statement, Liverpool’s Labour group said: “This is a significant victory for our communities and demonstrates the importance of standing together to protect vital services.”
Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, added: “This is a major win for our community and a powerful example of what local campaigning can achieve.
“Residents made it clear just how essential Breck Road Post Office is, and I’ve been proud to stand with them every step of the way to protect this vital service.”