Post Office announces new branch opening BUT 100 locations at risk of closure - full list here

Patrick O'Donnell

By Patrick O'Donnell

Published: 17/01/2025

- 11:21

A new Post Office branch is set to open in Motherwell this spring, amid the recent trend of bank branch closures sweeping the UK. The development is particularly notable as it follows the Post Office's recent announcement that more than 100 locations across the UK have been marked for potential closure.

The postal service company has confirmed they have appointed a new operator for the Motherwell branch, though the specific location has yet to be revealed. Britons have been concerned about access to cash services as high street financial institutions have ceased operating on the high street.

Local postal services in Motherwell have seen significant disruption since May 2023, when the Muir Street Post Office permanently closed its doors. Further service reduction occurred when the Airbles Street Civic Square Post Office ceased operations in February 2024.

These closures have dealt what local councillor Nathan Wilson described as "a hammer blow to local service provision." The consecutive shutdowns have substantially reduced the availability of Post Office branches for Motherwell residents.

A Post Office spokesman, in communication with local councillor Nathan Wilson, emphasised the company's understanding of the service's importance to the community.

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Post Office branch

The Post Office is set to open another branch

PA

"We appreciate the importance of Post Office services in communities such as Motherwell," the spokesperson said. "I am pleased to advise that we have recently appointed a new operator for the Motherwell branch, and we are hopeful that the branch will reopen in the spring of this year."

The spokesman added that the community and local stakeholders would be updated once further details become available. In the interim, residents affected by the closures can access alternative Post Office services at 148 Logans Road in North Motherwell and 349 Shields Road in Muirhouse.

Wilson expressed his strong support for the new development, noting his continued efforts throughout 2024 to advocate for replacement services in the wake of closures.

"I made strong representations to the Post Office in January and July of 2024 and again in the New Year to continually highlight the vital importance of replacing the lost services in Motherwell," he said.

Cash withdrawals in Post Office

Britons are worried about access to cash services

POST OFFICE

Wilson added: "I am delighted to now receive communication from the Post Office that a replacement branch is to open and with a new operator appointed to manage the service."

The timeline for the new branch opening remains set for spring 2025, though specific dates have yet to be confirmed.

The Post Office has committed to keeping the community informed of developments regarding the new location and opening details."

"It is absolutely vital that the new branch is established as planned and it would be a major disappointment if any difficulties subsequently emerge," the councillor added.

According to research conducted by consumer champion Which?, more than 6,000 bank branch closures have taken place in the UK since 2015. Banks have cited changing consumer behaviour, lack of high street footfall and the increase in online banking usage.

Last year, the Post Office confirmed that dozens of its branches could potentially close for good as part of restructuring efforts. The company has come under fire over the past year following the Horizon IT scandal.

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NatWest bank branch sign, abandoned Barclays bank and Lloyds Bank

Bank branch closures are continuing at an "alarming rate", according to Which?GETTY

Here is a full list of the branches affected by the Post Office's closure plans:

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