WELLINGTON’s MP raised his concern over the town’s lack of Post Office and the apparent “threat” to the service in the House of Commons.

Gideon Amos, Wellington and Taunton’s Liberal Democrat MP, raised the issue after the town’s branch was shut in 2019

The town’s Post Office operated from the One Stop convenience store, in High Street, until both were closed five years ago.

Since then, the nearest facility has been at Rockwell Green but Mr Amos has put down an Early Day Motion, which is supported by Somerset MPs.

Mr Amos’ motion said: “This House is concerned about the lack of any Post Office in Wellington, Somerset, with a population of 16,000 people, many of whom lack access to a car and who rely on the town centre to meet their needs. It urges the Government to expand its Cash Access UK Banking Hubs to also provide Post Office services”

Mr Amos told the Commons: “The threat to Post Offices is something that is a concern shared across the House. 

“Imagine the delight of the people of Wellington when they heard that a hub was being opened by an organisation called the Post Office with a Post Office logo on the outside - only to find later on it won't be providing any Post Office services. 

“Would the Leader of the House agree this sounds like something out of ‘Yes Minister’? 

“And will she grant time for a debate on the rollout of banking hubs and the provision of postal services alongside them in towns that don't have any Post Office?” 

Leader of the House, Lucy Powell MP, replied: “I think the provision of local Post Office services is a matter of wide interest across this House.

“I'm sure if he (Gideon Amos) and other colleagues put in for a debate, they would get a great deal of support for that because, let's be honest, we've seen, in the Post Office, an organisation that has left serious questions about how it's been running its governance.

“And what we don't want to see as a result is our vital Post Office services disappearing from our high streets and town centres.

“So I will make sure that the relevant Minister has heard his question today.”

Afterwards, Mr Amos said: “Restoring a Post Office to Wellington will take a range of bodies and organisations and full credit to the town council who have made every effort to get one. 

“It was good to get the chance to highlight how perverse it is that banking hubs can’t also provide Post Office services and raising this in the House of Commons was a good opportunity to sound out other MPs and the Government on the issue. 

“I was pleased to hear support for the idea of a wider debate - something I will take forward in Parliament”.

The town’s banking hub has been given an extra six months to stay at its current location in the town centre.

The banking hub was introduced to provide residents with basic banking services following the closure of Lloyds.