Independent retailers have slammed a new Early Day Motion (EDM) which calls for all new supermarket developments to offer to accommodate a post office.
Tom Harris, Labour MP for Glasgow, said that supermarket chains hoping to build new stores should agree to house post offices in them, or have their plans rejected. He also wants a guarantee of a minimum period during which the post office’s tenancy rights would be protected. John Jackson, who runs a post office and convenience store in Toll Bar, Doncaster, berated the idea. “There’s barely enough work to go round already, so to suggest that supermarkets take more on is ridiculous,” he said.
The National Federation of Subpostmasters also believed the move would be damaging to independents. “Obviously, the last thing we would want is to filter people off to the supermarkets,” a spokeswoman said.
Tom Harris, Labour MP for Glasgow, said that supermarket chains hoping to build new stores should agree to house post offices in them, or have their plans rejected. He also wants a guarantee of a minimum period during which the post office’s tenancy rights would be protected. John Jackson, who runs a post office and convenience store in Toll Bar, Doncaster, berated the idea. “There’s barely enough work to go round already, so to suggest that supermarkets take more on is ridiculous,” he said.
The National Federation of Subpostmasters also believed the move would be damaging to independents. “Obviously, the last thing we would want is to filter people off to the supermarkets,” a spokeswoman said.
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