The Post Office is today starting a period of local public consultation on their proposal to move Basingstoke Post Office in London Road away from the current site to the WH Smith store in Old Basing Mall. They are seeking the views of local customers and stakeholders, and comments will be received until 12 December.
The proposal is for the Post Office to be run under a franchise agreement, as part of a new deal with WH Smith to relocate up to 40 Post Offices into WH Smith stores in 2019. If the relocation goes ahead, it is anticipated that the London Road Post Office would close in March 2019. The Post Office say that they are not consulting on the decision to move to a commercial franchise position, but welcome feedback from residents on issues such as the location itself and ease of access.
Maria said: “ As I have said before, the Post Office on London Road is part of the fabric of the town and a hub of activity at the Top of Town. The central location of Basingstoke's main post office makes it a valuable asset in the town. If this is to move to the WH Smith store in the Old Basing Mall shopping centre, this could adversely affect the Top of Town. I am also concerned that residents may lose vital services when the move takes place.”
“I would urge residents make their views heard as part of the Post Office consultation and get their comments in by the 12 December deadline.”
For further information and to let Post Office know your views please the Consultation Hub at Consultation Hub - Basingstoke RG21 7AB
Basingstoke Post Office Customer Forum will be held on Thursday, 15 November, from 2pm – 6pm at the Community Room, Basingstoke Discovery Centre & Library, Festival Place Shopping Centre, Basingstoke RG21 7LS.
The format is a drop-in session to which customers, Post Office colleagues that work at the branch and their union officials, local stakeholders and the media are invited to call in to meet and discuss the proposal with senior Post Office representatives.