Post office cull proposed

9:09pm Monday 18th February 2008

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Kingston could lose nearly a third of its post offices, after six branches were today earmarked for closure.

Two post offices in Kingston, two in New Malden, one in Surbiton and one in Worcester Park could be closed as early as July.

A post office closing can really damage a local community, taking away an important service, but has knock on effects to local shops and businesses, and really hitting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey

It is part of a nationwide cull of 2,500 post office branches. Of the 681 branches in London, 169 have been nominated for closure.

The only way these post offices can be saved is if residents can prove special circumstances - that people will be severely disadvantaged if they lose their local office.

This includes how it will effect local disabled or elderly residents or those in deprived areas and if surrounding businesses will suffer.

Users of the branches in Burlington Road and Kingston Road in New Malden, Hook Rise South in Surbiton, Malden Road in Worcester Park, Surbiton Road, Kingston, and Chestnut Grove in Richmond Road, Kingston, have until April 2 to speak out.

Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton said: "A post office closing can really damage a local community, taking away an important service, but has knock on effects to local shops and businesses, and really hitting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

"Even people who do not use post offices regularly will find if we are not careful, when you need this valuable public service it may not be not there."

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