The Post Office announced that they were planning to close the Crown South Woodford Post Office on George Lane in April 2021. This announcement would have been a huge blow to South Woodford’s main shopping district at what is a difficult time for the High Street. I was very concerned that the closure would endanger jobs and the long-term postal service provision in South Woodford.
I asked the Post Office to reverse this decision and to make a commitment to retaining this key service for South Woodford. I also raised that Woodford residents have the right to be fully consulted on any proposals.
I know how important this issue is to residents, and I wanted to provide an opportunity for them to raise their questions and concerns directly with a representative from the Post Office. I hosted a Q&A on Facebook live with Tracy Marshall, Postmaster Effectiveness Director at the Post Office, and during that meeting, it was confirmed that the Post Office would be actively searching for a franchise partner in George Lane once the existing premises closes. Tracy also announced that while arrangements for a new store are made, a temporary post office will be opened in one of the existing vacant business outlets on George Lane.
You can watch the event back here.
This is a positive step for the local community who rely on the services the Post Office provides, and I am very pleased that the Post Office rolled back on their original decision.
