MPs speak in Parliament about Stockton town centre post office: We stand at crossroads

Stockton MPs discussed the town’s post office in Parliament. The post office may close this May because WHSmith, where the post office is located, is closing. The Post Office advertised the vacancy, and two retailers showed interest in the location.

Matt Vickers and Chris McDonald spoke in the House of Commons. Vickers discussed Stockton and Thornaby post offices, while McDonald is working with local Labour councillors to find a new location.

Vickers said post offices are vital for towns, more than just places for mail. He believes they are community centers where people access services, stay connected, and helps local businesses.

Vickers criticized national insurance increases and mentioned changes to car parking charges. Stockton Council said the charges are modest and necessary to cover costs and encourage longer stays.

Vickers said pressures from modern tech, finances, and habits threaten post offices, and tax increases make the situation worse. He is concerned about the Stockton and Thornaby offices.

Vickers said the Stockton post office has changed locations but has always been present and vital. He hoped a retailer franchise would protect it, but tax increases force retailers to close stores.

Retail is a key sector, one of the biggest employers, and a driver of social mobility. Vickers blames the government as Sainsbury’s and Tesco are cutting jobs and WHSmith in Stockton is closing.

Vickers met with the Post Office and shared concerns about the closure’s impact, noting that the office is set to close in May. The Post Office seeks alternative operators and locations, and several operators showed interest.

Vickers spoke about Thornaby’s post office and the pizza place plan refused by residents. The Post Office said it is open as the landlord wanted to test the waters, but the pizza plan failed.

Vickers said Thornaby’s situation is unclear. The postmaster has a lease, but residents objected to the pizza plan and the community fears an appeal to this decision. He hopes for a resolution.

Vickers believes closing the post offices is a loss of convenience and interaction. Footfall and local economies would suffer, and NatWest is closing in Stockton, making it worse. He will try to keep them open.

Chris McDonald spoke about the vital services before WHSmith announced its closure in Stockton, putting the post office at risk. He is working to find another location for it.

McDonald said Stockton needs a post office and is fighting to keep one on the High Street. McDonald raised the issue in Parliament to push for a solution because the community depends on these services, and efforts are underway to keep it in Stockton.

Cllr Nigel Cooke said they try to retain the post office through a relocation in the town center, hoping to keep this vital resource available.