Post Office and TG Jones confirm upcoming closures in Uckfield but MP says work is ‘already underway’ to secure replacement service
The Post Office and TG Jones store in Uckfield are set to close, it has been confirmed.
The news comes after East Grinstead and Uckfield MP Mims Davies announced she was asking for more information because residents were worried about rumours of the possible Post Office closure.
A Post Office spokesperson told this newspaper on Thursday, July 30: “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 1 July, which includes seeking new commercial terms with landlords for the majority of their estate. Consequently, TG Jones is to close their Uckfield store. Regrettably, Uckfield Post Office is to close, and a date is being finalised.”
A TG Jones spokesperson also said on Thursday: “As we work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, we have confirmed that our Uckfield store 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 TG Jones.”
Before the announcement, MP Mims Davies had described Post Offices as ‘the heart of our communities’, saying they provide ‘far more than just mail services’. She said she had spoken with the Royal Mail team and explained their importance, saying they offer ‘essential access’ to banking, bill payments, government services and parcel collection, while supporting people of all ages in her constituency, especially those who need ‘face-to-face assistance’.
The MP called the closure announcement ‘disappointing news for our community’ but she said she is pleased work is ‘already underway’ to secure a replacement Post Office service for Uckfield.
She said: “In the meantime, residents will still be able to access everyday banking services, including cash withdrawals, deposits and bill payments, at the Uckfield Banking Hub on the High Street.” She said alternative Post Office services are also available at Ridgewood (11-12 Lewes Road) and Five Ash Down.
Ms Davies added: “The Post Office is now looking for a new operator to run a replacement branch in Uckfield and has already received some interest. If you are a local retailer, business owner, or know someone who may be interested in taking this opportunity forward for our town, please take a look at the advert and register your interest before 7 August – runapostoffice.co.uk. Can you help? Please comment on my Facebook post or get in touch if you, your business, or someone you know may be interested in operating a new Uckfield Post Office. Let’s work together to keep these important services in our town.”
The Post Office spokesperson said: “We know how important our products and services are to the local community. The vacancy has recently been advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk and we are keen to hear from interested retailers. We want to open a replacement branch as soon as possible.”
TG Jones’s Uckfield shop is expected to close on September 12 this year, following a closing-down sale. Customers can still shop at nearby TG Jones stores and online at www.tgjonesonline.co.uk.