Lauren McGaun
Haworth’s Post Office, located on Main Street, runs the risk of closure after they told residents postal services will be limited to a counter at the local Co-Op, half a mile away.
The Post Office, located in West Yorkshire, served the famous Bronte Sisters, and has been a vital asset to the community, as well as tourists who visit the area. The Post Office bosses have argued that the store is no longer viable, but they now face backlash from much of the Haworth community. They released a statement on Twitter, stating that they were looking for “a more sustainable solution for customers”.
Many local residents fear that the closure will make the postal services inaccessible to older residents who are unable to walk as far, and will take away a key part of the village’s heritage.
Good afternoon from #Haworth. I’m here today covering the proposed Post Office closure and a campaign and petition to keep it open that’s been signed by thousands of locals. It’s been here since the Brontes and residents say that it is an essential part of the community @GBNEWS pic.twitter.com/5dTnzEtTSi
— Anna Riley (@annarileynews) August 12, 2021
Many have taken to twitter to express their frustrations over the plans. “Residents would like a public meeting can we have one please? We want to keep the office on Main Street,” said one local.
“Protestors have set up a petition in a bid to save the Post Office”
They have organised a protest for midday on Sunday 22nd August at Haworth Church steps, in the hope that this will bring more attention to the closure.
The post office has been given notice that it will shut on the 26th August and a public consultation on the proposed closure is due to end on the 27th August.
Protestors have set up a petition in a bid to save the Post Office which can be accessed here. The petition has been backed by many local councillors, as well as local MP Robbie Moore. They have so far gathered over 2,300 signatures.
Featured image courtesy of R~P~M on Flickr. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Lauren McGaun
Lauren is a freelance journalist at BBC Politics. She helped set up EJ as Co-Founder and used to be Editor in Chief for over a year. Most evenings you will find her sipping Aperol Spritz whilst watching the news or a documentary.