REPLACEMENT post offices could be opened at several locations following the Coop’s announcement that it will close four branches.
Jersey Post is asking businesses in the areas of Pontac, Beaumont and Georgetown to register their interest in opening and managing a concession.
Chief Minister Kristina Moore also confirmed in a response to a written States question from Deputy Moz Scott that Jersey Post ‘is not seeking to close branches’ and was trying to find replacements.
She added that the Treasury Minister was a ‘shareholder representative’ with Jersey Post and ‘supports the provision of community and business postal and post office services where these are operationally and commercially viable’.
She continued: ‘The decision to close four post offices was, accordingly, an operational decision taken following discussions between the Channel Islands Co-operative Society and Jersey Post. Full assessments for each branch were undertaken by Jersey Post.
‘It is important to note that, after these four closures, there will be two main branches and 12 community branches operating across the Island.’
Responding to a written question on a similar topic from Reform Jersey’s Deputy Rob Ward, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said: ‘Jersey Post’s assessments identified minimal impact due to low transaction levels and close proximity to other branches.’
Ben Shenton, chair of Age Concern, previously said that the closures were ‘disappointing’ and would leave some vulnerable and elderly residents, particularly those who are less physically mobile, from accessing the post office and its services.
Any business interested in running a Post Office should visit jerseypost.com/business/marketing/post-office-enquiries.
Jersey Post this week announced that its branches at Beaumont, Georgetown and Pontac will close on 27 October, while the Don Street office will shut on 31 December.
