Help for businesses affected by Post Office closures

A new £20,000 grant scheme has been launched to help the 23 businesses affected by the recent Post Office Network Change Programme.

The grant scheme is being delivered by Shropshire County Council and the Shropshire Access Partnership in partnership with Business Link West Midlands.

Post Office Limited recently completed its review of the Post Office network in Shropshire. It announced changes to 23 branches within the county, which will lead towards the closure of Post Offices in 23 communities, although under the proposals a limited number will have a separate outreach service.

In response to this announcement, the council and the Shropshire Access Partnership have allocated a total of £20,000 to be offered as grant support to those Post Office branches which are directly affected.

Grants of up to £1500 are available which will allow branches affected by the closures to invest in new equipment, make alterations to their shop or launch new retail lines. They will also receive support and advice on their future from advisors at Business Link West Midlands.

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for economy, said: “We realise the important role that Post Offices and general stores play in delivering services to communities across Shropshire. We are disappointed that Post Office Ltd is closing 23 branches in Shropshire, but the new grant support scheme we are offering will help the general stores connected to Post Offices to continue and develop new retail opportunities.”

All 23 Post Office branches affected by the Post Office Network Change Programme have been sent details of the grants and how they can receive support from Business Link. The grants programme will remain open until 31 October 2008. Further details about the grants programme are available from Kath Pickwell at Shropshire County Council.

27 August 2008