A senior councillor in Solihull has revealed there is “significant interest” in reestablishing a post office in the town centre, following the closure of the Mell Square branch earlier this month. The closure by TG Jones, which also operated the Post Office counter, has meant residents must now travel over a mile to the nearest branch in Elmdon Heath.
Solihull Council’s leader, Councillor Karen Grinsell, confirmed the authority is actively collaborating with Post Office Ltd to support potential franchise applications by identifying suitable premises within the town centre. Meanwhile, Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti has approached Post Office Ltd’s chief executive, Neil Brocklehurst, proposing a mobile post office as a temporary solution.
During the Solihull Council meeting on July 7, Councillor Bob Grinsell emphasized that a town centre post office is a “vital resource,” especially for elderly residents relying on these services. He inquired about the council’s actions to secure an accessible, centrally located replacement.
Councillor Heather Delaney, cabinet portfolio holder for economy, business, and skills, responded that the arrangement between Post Office Counters Ltd and franchisees like TG Jones is a private contractual relationship. She confirmed that Post Office Counters Ltd remains committed to maintaining a presence in Solihull town centre and has advertised the opportunity, attracting significant interest.
The council’s managing and letting agents are currently working with potential candidates to explore suitable space within Mell Square for a new post office branch. Although no specific timeline has been provided, Councillor Delaney expressed confidence that securing a new location would not take as long as the decade it took to find a new police station site.
The TG Jones store officially closed on July 11, with a sign thanking customers for their support. A Post Office spokesperson reiterated the importance of the services to the community and encouraged retailers interested in hosting a branch to visit runapostoffice.co.uk for more information. In the meantime, residents are reminded that the Elmdon Heath branch remains available.