A TOWN’S main post office will stay open, says the company that runs the store housing it – putting to an end months of concern about its future.

The McColl’s shop on Fore Street in Saltash is a lifeline for those who use it to access Post Office services, as well as the items offered by the general convenience store.

In October, the Cornish Times reported confirmation from the Post Office that the shop would be shutting in January of this year.

The loss of the post office branch would be an inevitable part of the shop’s closure – and no other retailer had stepped forward to take on the running of the service, they said at the time.

In the weeks since this announcement, rumours have circulated about the McColl’s staying open along with the Post Office – and McColl’s head office has now confirmed that this is the case.

In a turnaround of events, the McColl’s store and its staff will stay in place, bringing relief to customers in Saltash. The loss of the Fore Street facility would have left the town of more than 16,000 residents with one small post office counter, located within a shop away from the town centre.

A spokesperson for McColl’s said: “We are pleased to confirm that the McColl’s store in Saltash, Cornwall, will continue to remain open and trade as normal. We look forward to continuing to serve the local community and all our customers with a quality range of convenience products and services.”

The end to speculation and the positive news has been welcomed by the Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Pete Samuels said: “Confirmation that McColl’s and the Post Office are to remain open is extremely good news for Saltash and essential for the vitality of Fore Street and our town centre. I have no doubt that the presence of the Post Office brings footfall to the town and consequential benefit to other traders in the area. It is also encouraging to see that new businesses have recently opened in the town.”

Chamber of Commerce chairman Sarah Martin said: “It’s great news to hear that McColl’s and with it, the Post Office, will be staying on Fore Street. It ends months of speculation and uncertainty, not just for the staff but also residents.

“A whole host of small retailers opened their shops at the end of 2020, which was great for trade in the street, but retaining the Post Office in the heart of our town is vital. We are now assured of having all those essential services that are so important to a community.

“As Chair of Chamber, I would like to thank McColl’s head office for preserving this branch in Saltash.”