A POSTMASTER from Wrexham claims he is being thwarted in his efforts to grow his business by a new franchising deal for town centre post offices.

Avi Bungar runs Hightown Post Office on Kingsmills Road, but says he has become frustrated that he cannot offer the range of postal services provided by Crown branches such as Wrexham’s town centre outlet which is set to be franchised out to WHSmith stores.

The branch was relocated from Henblas Street to first-floor premises at WHSmith on Hope Street in 2016 and the ownership is to be transferred to the retail giant from February 19 next year as part of a nationwide deal.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas is backing Mr Bungar’s claims over “restrictive practices”.

He said: “Why is the UK Government giving big business a sweetheart deal and preferential Crown Post Office terms, while preventing sub-postmasters from having the same?”

The MP has also renewed calls for better access to the Hope Street branch, having complained at the time of the relocation that the disabled were faced with inferior access via either stairs or a small service lift at the back of the store.

Mr Lucas says he contacted the Post Office again about the situation but was told the lift in WH Smith was of ‘adequate’ size.

He added: “Unlike the Hope Street shop, Avi Bungar’s business runs from the ground floor and has excellent disabled access. I know he is not allowed to deal with passports because the Post Office refused him the terms to do so when I asked.

“I oppose the privatisation of Wrexham Post Office but, if it happens, we must have fair competition between all businesses.”

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst, replying to Mr Lucas in the Commons, said the franchising arrangement was part of a ‘long-term sustainability programme’ aimed at providing longer hours and better sites.