Darlington MP Lola McEvoy is demanding answers over the closure of the town centre Post Office amid concerns for residents who rely on the service and staff now facing an uncertain future.
The branch inside TGJones at the Cornmill Shopping Centre will close on Saturday, November 28, when the retailer closes its Darlington store under a court-approved restructuring plan.
The closure will leave Darlington town centre without a Post Office while efforts continue to find a new operator.
Ms McEvoy said she had been contacted by residents concerned about losing the service and highlighted the uncertainty facing staff at the branch.
The MP has now revealed she has written to the chief executive seeking answers over the closure, including what support is being offered to affected employees.
She said: “Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the closure of the Post Office in the Cornmill.
“I know many people rely on this service, and it has left the dedicated staff who work there facing uncertainty about their future.
“I have written to the Chief Executive to get some answers about why this decision has been made, what assessment was carried out before it was taken, and what support is being provided to employees affected by the closure.
“I will share the outcome of the consultation as soon as it's available and continue pressing for the answers that residents and staff deserve.”
TGJones has now confirmed its Darlington store will close as the company works to secure the long-term future of the wider business.
A spokesperson for TGJones said: “As we work to secure the long-term future of TGJones, we have confirmed that our Darlington shop will close.
“We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers and the local community.
“Our focus now is on supporting those affected and continuing to serve customers throughout the closure period.
“We would like to thank all of our colleagues for their commitment and the contribution they have made to TGJones."
Darlington Post Office operates from within the store and Post Office bosses previously confirmed it would close on the same day.
A Post Office spokesperson previously said: “We fully recognise the challenging trading conditions that TG Jones and many other High Street retailers are facing at the moment.
“TG Jones had its Restructuring Plan approved by the High Court on July 1, which includes seeking new commercial terms with landlords for the majority of their estate.
“Consequently, TG Jones is to close their Darlington store. Regrettably, Darlington Post Office is due to close on Saturday, November 28.”
The TG Jones in Darlington, which was formerly run as WHSmith and was home to an M&S Food
There is, however, hope that the loss of the town centre branch will not be permanent.
The Post Office has already received interest from retailers looking to take on the branch and said it is in the early stages of considering applications.
Officials have said they want to establish a replacement as quickly as possible, although the process can take around six months from an operator's resignation.
The Post Office spokesperson added: “We know how important our products and services are to the local community.
“The vacancy has been advertised, and we have heard from interested retailers.
“We are currently in the early stages of reviewing applications to run the Post Office branch and we will provide a further update on our plans as soon as possible.
“We want to open a replacement branch as soon as possible, but this can take around six months from an operator's resignation.”
Until a replacement is secured, customers will be directed to other branches across Darlington, including Yarm Road Post Office, Skerne Park Post Office on Coleridge Gardens and Haughton Le Skerne Post Office on Haughton Green.
TGJones, formerly known as WHSmith, secured court approval for its restructuring plan earlier this year as the retailer sought to address challenging trading conditions.
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Tom Smith KC, representing TGJones in court, previously said the company had suffered from “long-term sales decline”, citing factors including high inflation, increased online shopping, lower consumer spending and rising labour costs.
TGJones chief executive Alex Willson previously said the restructuring plan would allow the retailer to continue with its turnaround strategy and create a “stronger, more sustainable business”.
The restructuring plan included a £15 million loan from TG Jones' owners, Modella Capital, and rent reductions intended to prevent an £8 million funding shortfall and potential insolvency.