Supermarket chain Morrisons will permanently shut several Morrisons Daily stores and associated Post Office counters across England, including locations in Wiltshire, Rochford, and St Albans.
Closures are scheduled as early as August 15, 2026, due to ongoing financial losses.
The retail company is actively reviewing its underperforming sites, which has also put a village branch in Abbots Langley at risk of closure.
In Rochford, local businesses are being urged to step forward to host a replacement postal facility following the confirmation of the upcoming local shutdown.
Community Concerns in St Albans
In St Albans, the impending closure of the integrated Post Office at The Quadrant has triggered widespread concern among residents and business owners who depend on its mail and essential banking options.
Morrisons stated in an official announcement: "We have carefully considered all comments and suggestions received during the consultation period.
Unfortunately, there are no viable options to achieve even a break even position and the store will close on 15 August 2026."
The company added that notices will be displayed in the store to inform customers of the closure date and advise them of the nearest Post Office branch.
Morrisons also said it continues to support affected staff, including exploring alternative roles at nearby stores.
The Marshalswick North Residents’ Association expressed frustration with the corporate response.
Chairman Jim Watson noted that the decision failed to prioritize the retention of critical postal services within the local commercial hub.
He highlighted the historical importance of the Post Office at The Quadrant, which had previously been a separate facility before moving to the back of Martins newsagents, later becoming McColls and then Morrisons Daily.
Watson explained that after the two banks in The Quadrant closed, residents relied on the Post Office for banking.
However, service became difficult when Morrisons merged Post Office counters with general shop purchases, leading to long queues and privacy concerns.
In early 2025, a petition signed by over 150 residents led to the reinstatement of a dedicated Post Office counter, open mornings five days a week.
"All this demonstrates the importance of the Marshalswick Post Office to our community, our traders and the general vibrancy of The Quadrant shopping area," Watson said.
He added that residents do not wish to lose the Post Office alongside the store, and that staff were kept in the dark about their jobs.
The association has written to elected representatives but received responses that it is a commercial decision.
Local retailers also voiced dismay.
Jez Levy, owner of EYES on St Albans, criticized the erosion of public services and economic pressures on physical stores.
"Yet again, more erosion of services to the public in whichever guise.
Bricks and mortar stores of all shapes and sizes are really feeling the hits the Government has put on us," he said.
Nadya Giffen, owner of Nadya Giffen Therapies, called the closure a "huge blow" for local businesses and vulnerable residents.
"A lot of people locally use the Post Office, including the local businesses.
With it closing, people will have to drive which means more traffic on already congested roads and they will then of course, have to pay high parking charges!"
she said.
