“Following the very sad recent death of the Postmaster, I am deeply concerned about the proposed closure of Portreath Post Office. The haste with which the closure has been announced is further cause for concern. There appears to have been little or no consultation with the community and, as far as I’m aware, no viable alternative arrangements have been sought.

This proposed closure is contrary to the spirit of the Government’s imminent legislation on ‘Access to Cash’ and I would urge Post Office Ltd to reconsider the closure, and give time to consult with the community to understand what the alternatives to closure may be.”

Perran Moon

Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate
Camborne & Redruth

New powers to protect access to cash
HM Treasury News, 19 May 2022

The future of local banking services and access to cash
House of Commons Library Research Briefing, 8 August 2022

UPDATE 14 JUNE 2023

Perran Moon this morning written to Kevin Hollinrake MP at the Business and Trade Department, asking him to urgently intervene to prevent Post Office Ltd from today closing Portreath Post Office, after just 72 hours notice. A full consultation and impact assessment must be undertaken before any consideration of the closure of such a vital local service. See below:

Dear Mr Hollinrake,
I am writing to you to express my deep concern about the proposed permanent closure of Portreath Post Office in Cornwall today (Wednesday 14th June).

Following the sad recent death of the Postmaster, local residents assumed that a replacement would be sought, most likely the Sub-Postmaster who currently works in the Post Office. However, in the absence of any formal notification whatsoever about the future of the Post Office management, it was discovered, through a private conversation this weekend with a member of the late Postmaster’s family, that the Post Office was to shut today, Wednesday 14th June, just three days following this informal conversation!

On Monday 12th June it was confirmed that the Post Office was to close. No consultation, no impact assessment on the local community, no attempt to find a solution to a vibrant and popular Post Office. Just 72hrs notice of closure. I’m sure you’d agree with me, Mr Hollinrake, that this situation is totally unacceptable. So, I am respectfully asking that you intervene as a matter of urgency to insist that Post Office Ltd undertake a proper consultation and impact assessment, prior to any consideration of closure.

The Post Office is situated in the local branch of Costcutter, who own the leasehold of the shop for the next four years. The Portreath Improvement Committee (PIC) and Portreath Association Limited (PAL) are in the process of purchasing the freehold of the shop and flat above it, which they will own from 4th July onwards. PIC & PAL have announced that they are prepared to explore all possible pragmatic solutions to keep the Post Office open for the remainder of the lease, while recognising Post Office Ltd’s challenges. However, the closure of the Post Office is still scheduled to take place today.

This proposed closure is contrary to the spirit of the Government’s imminent legislation on ‘Access to Cash’ and I am asking you to ensure that urgent action is taken to allow the time to consult with the PIC, PAL and other community stakeholders to understand what the alternatives may be.

Looking forward to your speedy response.

Perran Moon

Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Camborne & Redruth