From the Editor… (31/07/2026)

If I’m honest, I’m not entirely surprised that the Post Office located within TG Jones (formerly WHSmith) is due to close within the coming weeks.

Since the closure of Bath’s Crown Post Office on Northgate Street back in 2019, there have been continual issues for residents and visitors using the replacement service; long queues, staffing issues, and access for those with limited mobility have all been noted over the years.

But now, due to the impending closure of the TG Jones store on Union Street, locals will have to rely on the city’s three smaller post offices to get by (Lower Weston, Battle Walk up at Lansdown, and Larkhall), until a new store takes on the city centre Post Office baton.

When we spoke to the Post Office last week regarding the planned closure on Tuesday 1st September, they told the Echo that they are already working through expressions of interest from other retailers for the city centre Post Office, and want to reopen a branch as soon as possible.

A campaign to ‘Save Bath Post Office’ has now been launched by Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, alongside Liberal Democrat councillors at Bath & North East Somerset Council. Realistically, the future of a Post Office in Bath comes down to commercial opportunity, not a political one.

WHSmith took Post Offices within their branches all those years ago not because they particularly wanted them, but because there was an opportunity that you’d probably spend some cash on a magazine on your way out, or grab a ream of paper for your printer once you’ve sent that parcel.

Whoever takes on the remit of providing a Post Office in the centre of Bath will have to make sure it makes commercial sense, otherwise we’ll be in the same situation in the near future, when we have to go without again.

The Lib Dems have said that any new Post Office in the city centre must be an improvement, not just a replacement, based on the dissatisfaction experienced within the current site. Councillor Manda Rigby has offered to help with providing suitable premises from the council’s portfolio.

However, the Green councillors have questioned how residents being asked to sign a petition with the Lib Dems will help improve the situation.

It’s all very well using council or WECA funding along with council premises to make sure there’s a Post Office again, but on the day-to-day running of the service, does it make commercial sense to be viable?  We’ll have to wait and see.