Wirksworth is left without a Post Office

The Post Office has revealed that the planned postal facilities in the Co-op, in Harrison Drive, Wirksworth, will no longer go ahead, leaving the town without any provision.

A Post Office spokesman said: “We can confirm Co-op withdrew their application for the Wirksworth Post Office, we are working hard to find a permanent location for the Post Office and we hope to be able to provide further information on a proposed new location soon. We would like to reassure customers that the Post Office is committed to maintaining a Post Office service in Wirksworth and will work hard to ensure this. Any local retailers interested in this business opportunity should contact us on 0845 266 8790 or email [email protected].”

The Co-op was granted permission for an extension and refurbishment of the garage in Harrison Drive in summer last year, which included a new Post Office facility with extended opening hours.

In August, the old Post Office in the town centre closed, with the understanding that the new facility up the road would be opened in the coming months to meet local need.

However when members of Wirksworth Town Council had heard nothing of the facility, they decided to contact both the Post Office and Co-op to find out what was going on - only to be told the scheme was no longer going ahead.

Councillor Mike Ratcliffe commented: “Neither organisation had the courtesy to let us know that this was in the offing. I find that extremely disappointing.”

Work on the newly refurbished store is due to be completed today (Wednesday, February 11).

Cllr Irene Ratcliffe said members of the town council will meet with a representative from the Co-op on Friday, adding that the council also wanted to arrange a meeting with the Post Office.

A spokesman from Central England Co-operative said: “We are currently reviewing options for the use of Post Office in our food store on Harrison Drive, Wirksworth. Should the Post Office be able to find a new operator to manage a branch within our store, we will be happy to welcome them and allocate space within the food store.”

A statement from the town council said: “The town council is committed to maintaining this service within the town. We will be investigating alternative options which might allow the reintroduction of the Post Office should it transpire that the Coop location cannot be used.”