31 Aug 2025
Customers using the new franchised Post Office service in St Peter’s Street have reported major teething problems during its first few days of opening – but bosses have blamed it on increased pressure caused by a temporary closure.
The Crown Post Office branch closed its doors on Tuesday at 3pm, and reopened on Wednesday at 1pm, but is now operated by independent franchise retail partner Universal Office Equipment Ltd, which runs eight other PO branches, a banking hub and stationery stores across London, Herts and Surrey.
But things have gone far from smoothly.
One customer told the St Albans Times on Friday: “There is chaos at Saint Peter Street post office which was taken over by a private company a day or so ago. According to the manager all her staff resigned on the spot and she’s now had to try and recruit a couple of complete beginners. None of the automatic machines are working and as I speak, the queue is running out of the front door.”
St Albans MP Daisy Cooper, who fought a campaign to prevent the transformation of the venture into a franchise, said: “These reports are incredibly troubling. For many residents and city centre businesses, reliable post office services are an essential – not a luxury – and it’s possible that some have been left in the lurch following the reported chaos on Friday. Post Office bosses have been planning this transfer of management for months but it seems they’ve fallen at the first hurdle. I’ll be demanding answers from Post Office bosses about what went wrong and to demand assurances that their failure to plan doesn’t mean they’re planning to fail.”
A Post Office spokesperson said: “Elliot Jacobs is a highly successful multiple Post Office franchise operator in London and Hertfordshire, and he will be taking on additional branches across the UK as part of UOE Retail. His first new branch is St Peter’s Street in St Albans and the branch was closed for half a day to allow for the transfer, so the branch was busier with customers upon re-opening.
“All existing staff were given the opportunity to TUPE across to the new franchisee UOE. There is a mixture of experienced staff and the remainder being jobs for local new employees. The branch is fully staffed, and they are all ready and enthusiastic to serve the people of St Albans.
“Exciting plans for St Peter’s Street Post Office in 2026 include a big refurbishment and for daily opening to be introduced.”
Have you been affected by the change in operator? Email editor@stalbanstimes.co.uk and tell us how.
