HEXHAM’S MP has met with the Post Office to ensure a provision is continued in the town when Beales department store closes in September.

After it was revealed last month that the current Post Office within Beales is set to temporarily close when the store closes in September, Guy Opperman met with the organisation’s area network change manager, Karen Bragg, to highlight the importance of keeping the service running in Hexham town centre.

Mr Opperman said he was encouraged progress was being made in finding a suitable premises in the town centre as an alternative venue for the service.

It is understood Post Office officials have visited the town exploring the possibility of occupying one of the vacant premises in the centre, while the possibility of hosting the service in a temporary building in a prominent, central location had also been mooted.

Mr Opperman said: “I am encouraged that the Post Office is working so proactively to find new premises for the Hexham post office.

“It has been very receptive to my view that this is a vital service that must be continued, as well as maintaining a good location for access in the heart of Hexham.

“I know that many people in Hexham are taking a close interest in this matter, and I will continue to work closely with Karen and her team to help in any way I can.”

A spokesman from the Post Office confirmed the organisation had been looking at permanent and temporary premises in Hexham to house the service.

He said the Post Office was aware of how vital its services were to the local community, and the community would be updated in due course.