Westminster’s Labour Councillors and local MP, Rachel Blake, were alarmed to hear that eight local Post Offices are under threat following the announcement that the Post Office is reviewing the future of 115 Crown Post Offices – 32 of them in London. Crown Post Offices are those run directly by the Post Office – not those run as a franchise by sub-postmasters.
The Crown Post Offices under threat in Westminster are:
- 95 Aldwych, WC2B 4JN
- 111 Baker Street, W1U 6SG
- 1 Broadway, SW1H 0AX
- 173 Great Portland Street, W1W 5PH
- 6 Raphael Street, Knightsbridge SW7 1DL
- 121-125 Lupus Street, SW1V 3EW
- 4 Praed Street, W2 1JX
- 167 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 2ST
It is understood the Post Office is looking for alternative franchise arrangements where retailers like WH Smith or another third party could take on the branches – but there is no guarantee that every Post Office will saved.
The serious challenges faced by the Post Office have been made worse 14 years of Conservative Government failing to tackle the issues.
Post Offices provide essential face-to-face services for many local residents and businesses, including cash, banking and financial services. They have a role in creating and supporting resilient communities, and we should find a way to hold onto that.
Our local MP, Rachel Blake, has asked for an urgent meeting with the Post Office as the eight threatened Westminster Post Offices plus one in the City of London are in her constituency.
Rachel has started a petition which we hope you will sign to show your support for saving our local post offices. Click here to sign.