In 2019, Liz McInnes, then Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton, warned the Conservative government about the risks of relocating post offices into WH Smith branches. Now, her fears are materialising as the Middleton post office, housed in a former WH Smith store now operated by TG Jones, faces closure.
A warning ignored
McInnes recalls questioning the sustainability of moving a vital service into a struggling business. A Tory minister dismissed her concerns, accusing her of talking down WH Smith and claiming no problems were foreseen. Seven years later, the Middleton branch of TG Jones is closing, taking the post office with it.
Postal deserts on the horizon
McInnes shares the concerns of the Communication Workers Union about communities becoming 'postal deserts'. She hopes a solution can be found for Middleton residents to retain access to essential town centre postal services.
Liz McInnes was MP for Heywood and Middleton from 2014 to 2019.
