Blackpool set to get a new post office in the town centre

The Talbot Road Post Office, as it will be known, will fill the gap left by the closure of the previous one in the now closed WH Smith store in Bank Hey Street.

Due to open on April 19, it will also feature gifts, cards and stationery.

The new operator is award-winning Postmaster Azim Shaikh, who is currently postmaster for Whalley in the Ribble Valley.

After discussions between Blackpool Council and Mr Shaikh, a lease has now been signed for the 98 sq m retail unit on the ground floor of the council’s town centre headquarters, opposite Blackpool North rail station.

Mr Shaikh said: “We are delighted to secure the unit at Bickerstaffe House, retaining a centrally located position within the town.

“A post office is the heart of a community, and it’s vital that the local community can continue to access essential post office services, as the branch acts as a lifeline to many local residents.

“We are investing in a quality finish for the unit and aim to provide an inviting space and a warm, friendly welcome.

"Initially we will open with four members of staff but will do our best to take on more staff as we become more established in the coming months.”

Azim and his brothers Fazail and Ramiz already run three post offices and he won a local hero award from the Post Office for his charity effort during the pandemic.

He has also been nominated for best small business of the year in the Ribble Valley, with a five star Google rating and excellent customer reviews.

The new opening hours for Talbot Road Post Office will be Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5.30pm. This is an extra 30 minutes compared to the previous post office.

Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Business Enterprise and Job Creations said: “The post office is a welcome addition to Talbot Gateway, which is undergoing radical redevelopment

over the next two years.

"Easy access to post offices services are fundamentally important to our local residents and so well done to the team who have been able to secure the unit ready for an April opening.”

The new post office will also offer bill payment, cash withdrawals and foreign currency, postage, home shopping collections and returns.

Kenny Lamont, Post Office Network Provision Manager, said: “We are delighted to be restoring Post Office services to central Blackpool as we know how important a Post Office is

to residents and businesses. The Postmaster has worked closely with Blackpool Council to find great new premises, which are very conveniently located.”

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