Post Office Bosses Face Demands to Secure Scarborough Town Centre Services

The Town's MP is calling on Post Office officials to guarantee uninterrupted access to essential services following the impending closure of Scarborough's main town centre branch.

Scarborough's MP says Postal services in Scarborough town centre must be secured as quickly as possible following the impending closure of the main branch.

Post Office bosses face demands to guarantee uninterrupted access to essential services when the Westborough facility shuts its doors early next year.

The town's main Post Office, currently located inside the TG Jones store, will close a couple of weeks before the retailer permanently shuts on Saturday, January 23, 2027.

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume contacted the Post Office this week to request an urgent update on plans for a replacement branch.

In a formal letter to Mark Gibson at Post Office Limited, the Member of Parliament highlighted the unsuitability of alternative branches for many residents.

Alison Hume said:

"I am extremely concerned about the impact this closure will have on residents, businesses and visitors who rely on a centrally located Post Office service.

While I note that Post Office Ltd is exploring options for future provision, the letter provides limited detail on what arrangements will be put in place to ensure uninterrupted access to services once the branch closes.

Scarborough is a large town with a significant elderly population, many residents with mobility challenges, and a town centre that serves a wide rural hinterland.

For many constituents, the town centre branch is the most accessible location for essential services including banking, postal services, bill payments and identity verification."

Current plans suggest customers could use the Falsgrave Road branch, located around 0.7 miles away, or the Newlands Park branch, which is 1.4 miles from the town centre.

However, the Newlands Park location does not offer Passport Check and Send services.

The Member of Parliament warned that these alternative locations sit outside the town centre and may not be easily accessible for all users, particularly those with mobility issues.

Alison Hume said:

"I would therefore be grateful if you could clarify what provision Post Office Ltd intends to put in place to maintain an accessible Post Office service within Scarborough town centre.

In particular, I would welcome details on the timescale for securing a replacement branch, whether any temporary arrangements will be introduced should there be a gap in provision, and how Post Office Ltd intends to ensure that elderly, disabled and vulnerable customers are still able to access services during this period."

The closure forms part of a wider restructuring programme by TG Jones, which is shutting dozens of stores across the country to secure its long-term future following a court-approved restructuring plan.

Post Office officials previously stated that providing a service to customers in the area remains important, and efforts are underway to find a nearby location.

Despite this, questions remain over the scope of any future facility and the level of consultation with the local community.

Alison Hume said:

"I would also be interested to understand what assessment has been undertaken of the impact of the closure on local customers, whether a future branch will offer the full range of services currently available at Westborough, and what engagement is taking place with local stakeholders to identify a suitable and sustainable town centre location.

Many constituents have already contacted my office with concerns about the loss of this important service.

I would therefore appreciate an early update on the steps being taken to secure accessible and convenient Post Office provision for Scarborough residents."

In a separate statement published online, the MP reiterated her commitment to fighting for the town's facilities and demanded clear answers for those affected by the loss of the Westborough branch.

Alison Hume said:

"The news that Scarborough town centre's Post Office is set to close when TJ Jones shuts shortly is deeply concerning.

I've written to the Post Office to ask that they secure alternative premises in the town centre as soon as possible and also asked for reassurances that the new branch will provide the full range of services currently available at Westborough.

Residents and businesses deserve clear answers, and I'll keep pushing to ensure Scarborough retains the services it needs."

Customers and local residents can submit comments on the current closure plans by emailing the Post Office directly, visiting their dedicated consultation website, or writing to their freepost address.