MP speaks up for Hightown sub-postmaster in Parliament

Wrexham’s MP has spoken in the House of Commons about the plight of a popular sub-postmaster, accusing the UK Government of ‘restricting’ his attempts to grow his business.

Ian Lucas said it was wrong to deny Avi Bungar, who runs Hightown Post Office, the ability to offer certain services while at the same time allowing many Crown branches – such as Wrexham’s town centre outlet – to be franchised out to WHSmith stores offering a full range of services.

Mr Lucas, who has also renewed calls for better disabled access to the Hope Street branch, said it was a classic case of the UK Government favouring big business over smaller, local ones like Mr Bungar’s.

Speaking during business questions last week, he said: “Restrictive practices are preventing my constituent, Mr Avi Bungar, from providing various post office services because he runs a sub-post office.

“Why are the Government giving big business, WHSmith, a sweetheart deal and preferential Crown Post Office terms, and preventing sub-postmasters from having the same?”

Small Business Minister, Kelly Tolhurst MP, replied by saying the franchising arrangement is part of a ‘long-term sustainability programme’ aimed at providing longer hours and better locations. However, speaking outside the Chamber, Mr Lucas described the answer as ‘inadequate’ and called for sub-postmasters like Mr Bungar – whom he visited recently – to be given the same terms as Crown branches.

Wrexham’s town centre branch relocated from Henblas Street to first-floor premises in the WHSmith store on Hope Street in 2016. From February 19 next year, the running of the branch will transfer from the Post Office to WHSmith as part of a franchising deal which involves branches across the country taken over by the retailer.

Mr Lucas complained in 2016 on behalf of disabled constituents about what he believes is the poor access to the new Post Office, where entry is via either stairs or a small service lift at the back of the store. However, the MP’s protests were ignored and the relocation went ahead.

Mr Lucas contacted the Post Office again recently about the situation but Stuart Taylor, external relations manager for the Post Office Ltd, replied saying staff had not been aware of any complaints from customers in relation to access at the new premises. The lift was of ‘adequate’ size, Mr Taylor added.

But Mr Lucas said Mr Taylor’s response was ‘at odds’ with what he hears from speaking to his constituents.

He added: “I am still of the belief that access to Wrexham’s main town centre Post Office branch – especially for disabled or elderly people – should be a lot better.

“Unlike the Hope Street shop, Avi Bungar’s business runs from the ground floor and has excellent disabled access. I know he is not allowed to deal with passports because the Post Office refused him the terms to do so when I asked.

“I oppose the privatisation of Wrexham Post Office but, if it happens, we must have fair competition between all businesses, not a sweetheart deal for an ailing big business which unfairly discriminates against a popular small business like Avi’s.”

If you have any views on access to Wrexham Post Office, contact Mr Lucas on [email protected] or call 01978 355743.