Hopes of reopening a community post office which closed more than two years ago have been dashed after a planning application to open a beauty salon at the site was submitted.
The former post office on the Precinct on New Park Road closed two years ago after the sub-postmaster decided he could not continue.
But despite demand from residents for it to re-open and claims from Post Office Ltd that it was committed to restoring a post office service in the area, the premises have remained closed.
An application for change of use at the site has now been submitted to Shropshire Council by the directors of the business ‘Beauty by Nature’, which will create up to six jobs.
In a report submitted to the council on Monday, the applicant, Gary Seale from Welshpool, states that the main operations of the salon would be nail services and decoration, tanning, beauty treatments, massages and aids to basic fitness.
The venture will create six full and part time jobs and will involve changes to the shop interior and front.
Councillor Alan Mosley, for the Castlefields and Ditherington ward, said it was good to see a new business moving into vacant premises but it was a blow for supporters of re-opening the post office.
“It’s a blow for the post office idea and one that has been coming for some time,” he said.
“However it’s good news that a vacant property is going to be used which will add to the Precinct and make it a better place.
“I’m still working with Post Office Ltd to look at other options for having a post office service in the area and we’re looking for innovative ways to provide a part-time service.
“The attitude of the community is loud and clear – the services are sadly missed and it covers a wide area with a significant number of elderly people living there. It’s a much-needed facility and we hope the post office will be flexible and help provide it,” he added.
Cllr Mosley said he had a meeting arranged with officials from Post Office Ltd in November.
By Anna Williams