A GROUP of local councillors have got hundreds of signatures of support for a new Post Office to open in Milton after it was confirmed the current one at McColl's would close.

On November 2, 2022, shoppers were informed 132 McColl's convenience stores were to close across the country.

Cllr's Catherine Gibbons and Richard Tucker from North Somerset Council and Cllr's Peter McAleer, Tim Taylor and Dot Agassiz from Weston Town Council are representing the group.

They said: "As local councillors we are very concerned about what this means for vital Post Offices like that in McColl's in Milton.

"We will be writing and lobbying the Post Office to urge that a suitable local site is found for the Milton shop’s Post Office counter."

Morrisons took over the 'loss-making' network of shops and said its plans were to convert most of the 1,164 stores into a Morrisons Daily within the next two years. 

In the deal are plans to close two sites in Weston - these are the Milton Road and Locking Road sites. 

At the time, North Somerset Council's deputy leader, Cllr Mike Bell, said: "My heart goes out to those who work in these stores who don't need this kind of uncertainty given all the economic pressures right now.

"It is a sign of the times that convenience stores are finding it harder to survive, even when backed by big retailers."

Morrisons said it will delay closing stores attached with a Post Office desk - including Milton Road - until next year so people can still use those services over the Christmas period. 

The retailer is working with the Post Office to see if counters can be relocated to other sites across its estate. 

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Morrisons has taken the difficult decision to close some McColl’s stores that hosted Post Offices, due to the unprofitability of the retail in that store, not helped by the difficult high street conditions facing retailers.

“Morrisons kept Milton Road Post Office, Weston-super-Mare open throughout the Christmas period and it will now close on Wednesday 11 January at 5.30pm. The nearest alternative branches are Lockings Castle, Worle and West Mead.

“We know how important a Post Office is to this community and we are working hard to restore service as soon as possible. We have had some discussions with a business owner who recently submitted an application to operate the Post Office. Unfortunately this process won’t be completed in time for when Milton Road Post Office closes in January. Subject to their successful application we will then provide details about the replacement branch.”