TRURO politicians have united in their opposition to the loss of the city’s only central Post Office branch. The outlet at the rear of TG Jones in Pydar Street will close on October 6, four days prior to the closure of the store itself as part of TG Jones’ restructuring programme.

MP Jayne Kirkham (Labour) convened an “urgent meeting” on Thursday to discuss alternative premises.

“When the Post Office informed me its counter and shop within TG Jones would close, I knew swift relocation was a priority,” she said.

“I had already been working with the Post Office and the owners of TG Jones in Parliament, and the search for a new location had already pre-emptively begun. Now TG Jones has formally given notice, the Post Office is working with me, Truro City Council, Truro Business Improvement District (BID) and Cornwall Council to find an alternative location.

“The people of Truro have come together without hesitation, with many businesses putting themselves forward and offering potential new premises, demonstrating just how valued this service is within our community.”

Cllr Steven Webb (Lib Dem, Moresk and Trehaverne) attended the meeting and also sent a letter to Post Office Ltd.

He wrote on Facebook: “Within a day of me sharing the news, around 100 of you told me how you use the branch: parcels, passports, car tax, travel money, business banking, paying rent at the counter. Your stories are in this letter, word for word in places.

“The asks are simple: a full-service branch in the city centre; the shortest possible gap in service; somewhere fully accessible, front of house, properly staffed; and clarity on what kind of premises are needed, so business owners and landlords know whether they can help.”

Cllr Webb asked followers not to speculate about possible locations.

“Applicants have to secure premises, and public guessing can push rents up or put people off entirely,” he explained.