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.
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.
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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.
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
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."
Add your comments below to have your say and see this week's paper for more.
People's Post Office? www.bemypostie.com is run by the public for the public - perhaps the Post Office should consider a more apt slogan in future, as it has always been a misnomer.
People's Post Office? www.bemypostie.com is run by the public for the public - perhaps the Post Office should consider a more apt slogan in future, as it has always been a misnomer.
Posted by: Dreena, Norfolk on 3:43pm Thu 21 Feb 08
[bold]Peoples post office[/bold] www.bemypostie.com. I use it all the time now no queing, I get the best price not what people want to charge me . I can really recommend it. Check it out.
Dreena(Disgruntled at closures)
Peoples post office www.bemypostie.com. I use it all the time now no queing, I get the best price not what people want to charge me . I can really recommend it. Check it out.
Dreena(Disgruntled at closures)
Posted by: Sarah Thomas, Surbiton on 9:49am Fri 22 Feb 08
As someone with limited mobility and finances at the moment, the closure of the post office in Surbiton would be a huge blow. If this happened, it would mean all the expense and inconvenience of a trip into Kingston. I'm sure I speak for many in a similar predicatment. Post Offices should be regarded as an essential public service to local communities.
As someone with limited mobility and finances at the moment, the closure of the post office in Surbiton would be a huge blow. If this happened, it would mean all the expense and inconvenience of a trip into Kingston. I'm sure I speak for many in a similar predicatment. Post Offices should be regarded as an essential public service to local communities.
Posted by: Cllr. Nick Kilby, Surbiton on 4:29pm Fri 22 Feb 08
For most of us it is a once in a blue moon that we need to visit a Post Office. Either it' to return something incorrectly ordered online or you need to send a letter recorded delivery. But there are a large number of people who still look to the post office for far more. From the older generations, families and overseas students and visitors. From paying bills to sending parcels home!
Those of us occasional users should not be silent about these closures as one day we may join those who need their Post Offices every week. Then it will be too late to make a fuss! Helen Whately and The Comet have a campaign, please get involved!
For most of us it is a once in a blue moon that we need to visit a Post Office. Either it' to return something incorrectly ordered online or you need to send a letter recorded delivery. But there are a large number of people who still look to the post office for far more. From the older generations, families and overseas students and visitors. From paying bills to sending parcels home!
Those of us occasional users should not be silent about these closures as one day we may join those who need their Post Offices every week. Then it will be too late to make a fuss! Helen Whately and The Comet have a campaign, please get involved!
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