MP launches Post Office survey amid closure review

An MP has urged residents who use an at-risk Post Office to share their thoughts in a survey.

Rosie Wrighting, Labour MP for Kettering, said taking part in the questionnaire about Lower Street Post Office would make sure local voices were heard in future meetings with Post Office representatives and government ministers.

Those responding to the survey will be asked how often they use the branch, the services they use it for, how important it is to the town centre and how any closure would impact them.

Wrighting said: "It’s incredibly important to me that the people of Kettering get to have their say during this review."

The Post Office is considering a range of options to reduce their central costs, including looking at the future of their remaining directly-managed branches (DMBs.)

These could include alternative franchise arrangements, where an operator like the retailer WHSmith or another third party, takes them on.

A list of 115 branches across the UK, including the Lower Street Post Office, was revealed last month after the Post Office looked to ditch their ‘loss-making’ outlets.

Closures could see 1,000 employees at risk of losing their jobs.

Wrighting added: “Post Offices play a vital role in our communities and I know many constituents are worried about the branch’s future.

“I want to put your concerns directly to the Post Office and the government and I encourage every local person to fill the survey in so their voice is heard.”

Discussions are taking place with unions about future options for the DMBs.

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