St Albans MP, Daisy Cooper, has explained the uncertain future of a community Post Office as the branch looks for a new retailer to stay open.
The Marshalswick location, based inside the Morrisons Daily store at The Quadrant, is under threat following the supermarket's plans to shut the store.
This forms part of a wider review affecting around 100 loss-making convenience branches across the country.
MP Cooper has spoken with Morrisons and the Post Office to reassure the community and find out further information.
"I know that people who live in and around Marshalswick really value having a Post Office in the Quad," the MP began.
"Morrisons tell me that since they bought McColl’s back in 2022, a number of branches - including this one - have been struggling with the higher costs and operating at a loss.
"As a result, Morrisons are planning to close these branches, meaning that Post Office HQ is now looking for another local business to run the post office services.
"This is a different situation to the St Peter’s Street Post Office, which was impacted by the government’s decision to move all Directly Managed Post Offices to a franchise model.
"Notwithstanding, I know that residents will be really concerned about the erosion of vital services on their doorstep."
Earlier this week, a poster was put up in the Marshalswick store confirming that the closure of the Morrisons Daily would also result in the loss of the Post Office service.
When contacted by The Herts Advertiser, a spokesperson for the Post Office explained: "Our retail partner, Morrisons have reviewed their Morrisons Daily store operations and, subject to colleague consultation, are proposing to close their store.
"Consequently, the Post Office branch would also need to close.
"We fully recognise the inconvenience this will cause our customers who rely on our banking and parcel services in particular."
The spokesperson added that, if confirmed, the closure would happen in the next few months.
The Marshalswick shop is one of three at risk in Hertfordshire, all former McColl’s stores.
Other threatened locations include Abbots Langley High Street and Hall Grove in Welwyn Garden City.
Despite these closures, Morrisons has said it still plans to open hundreds more franchise convenience stores in the coming years.
MP Cooper said the Post Office intends to seek a new host for the branch.
"The Post Office tell me that they will soon be encouraging applications from other businesses in or near Marshalswick to run the branch, but as yet, they haven’t set out a timeline for doing so," she added.
"Once the opportunity is formally advertised I’d encourage any businesses who are interested to apply, so our community can retain this key service.
"Just as with my campaign to protect our St Peter’s Street Post Office, I’ll keep holding the Post Office’s feet to the fire: residents deserve clear communication and a commitment that they won’t lose access to vital services."
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