Fears of ‘postal deserts’ as owner of former WH Smith stores puts counters under threat

"Postal Services on the Brink: Owner of WH Smith's Former Business Seeks to Ease Contract Exit for Post Office Outlets. The private equity group behind the transformation of WH Smith's high street business into TG Jones is set to make it easier to close Post Office outlets within its stores, sparking concerns over the potential loss of vital community services. Modella, the owner of TG Jones, is reportedly seeking to renegotiate contracts with the Post Office, which could pave the way for the closure of up to 60 post offices. If successful, this move could leave countless communities without access to essential postal services, raising fears of "postal deserts" in areas that rely heavily on these outlets."

Exclusive: Contract changes mean Post Office outlets inside TG Jones stores would be easier to close, with up to 60 possibly affectedThe owner of WH Smith’s former high street business is aiming to change contracts with the Post Office to make it easier to close outlets within its stores, increasing fears that communities will become “postal deserts”.TG Jones operates 180 post offices and it is understood that as many as 60 could be closed under a restructuring plan by Modella, the private equity group that renamed the WH Smith high street chain as TG Jones after buying it last year. Continue reading...