Forum Topic

King Street Post Office closing.

The post office on King Street officially closes on 24th October.  I have been informed Post Office have decided NOT to open another branch locally - whatever their window literature states that it is a 'temporary closure.'  It is a permanent closure.  Is there really nothing we can do to have them reconsider and open another branch along the high street, or even in new Oaks opening?

Helen New ● 2832d30 Comments

Please join CWU (The Communication Workers Union) outside Acton Post Office at 4pm, Thursday 4th October, to protest against the pending closure, and to show solidarity with the workers facing redundancy.

Libby Kemp ● 2773d

Thanks!

Chris Hurley ● 2777d

bump - in case people want to see what went before...

Lorna Dodd ● 2777d

It has been suggested that the post office is moved into Morrison's who were interested, but unfortunately, with all their refurb plans submitted and going ahead - too late now.  The staff are being - hopefully for them - moved, or sadly, laid off.  If you speak to head office, their 'temporary' is closing for a few years with the possibility of opening - or not.

Helen New ● 2789d

That seems contrary to what the Post Office told me in their E.Mail. They confirmed that it was a temporary closprey.

Tony Crumpton ● 2789d

It strikes me that if the Post Office is closing down,they could at least move the self service machines somewhere nearby, like inside Morrisons or in the new shopping centre when it opens.At least that would give us all access to some of their services.Not perfect I know, but better than nothing.

Bob Little ● 2789d

Jay, it is not a 'temporary closure' no matter how head office dress it up.  Staff are still waiting to see if they are being transferred to other branches in other areas (this close to closure), if not, they will lose their jobs.  For the community, it is a case of using either the Horn Lane or Vale branches, which for many are not convenient due to a myriad of reasons. There are no plans to re-open where they are now - speak to the staff. Head office simply do not care for either their staff nor the community at large.  That is very clear.  They knew their lease was not being re-newed, and had plenty of time to look into alternative premises - of which there are two banks standing empty with counters already in place - they're not interested.

Helen New ● 2792d

Thank you for the update Tony, it's somewhat comforting they're saying it's a temporary closure now!

Jay Bower ● 2793d

Dear Mr CrumptonActon Post Office® 23-29 King Street, London, W3 9LD Thank you for your email dated 14 August 2018, regarding the temporary closure of Acton Post Office.  Your enquiry was passed to the National Consultation Team, and I am responding to you directly. I recognise your concern about the impending closure of this branch and I would like to reassure you that this will not be a permanent closure; it will remain a temporary closure while we continue working hard to get a service reinstated as soon as we can. We are fully aware of how important the Post Office is for our customers in your local community.  The branch has to close due to circumstances beyond our control, in which the premises are being withdrawn at the behest of our landlord for their use; it was not our intention to close the branch and I would assure you that we do not underestimate the difficulties the local community may face during this closure period. Please be assured we take the temporary closure of this branch seriously and our field team are working hard to find a solution.  At this stage we are not able to put a timeframe on establishing replacement services as it is important that any new service introduced is sustainable for both the Post Office and any new operator.  We are aware that the landlord plans to include a retail unit in the new development and once we are able to survey this for suitability and consider commercial terms we will be able to add this as an option into our considerations. For your convenience, please find attached a copy of your customer letter with full details about the temporary closure and alternative branches that be used during that time. Thank you for your patience and accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused during the closure period.

Tony Crumpton ● 2812d

Tony, don't hold your breath! My email to her, copied to Rupa Haq, was sent 2 August, and not a peep from either of them! Now that's what I call customer service!

Nina Battleday ● 2812d

Pinged an E.Mail to Christine Moore last week. Nothing heard back as of yet.

Tony Crumpton ● 2813d

See Sarah, my point exactly!  The post office currently have no plans to open a replacement - in spite of 2 empty banks which would have made perfect locations: near to current one, cashiers area's already set up. I too am perplexed that you would know that you have been informed your lease is not being extended, so you decide to do nothing, close down, but bring in WH Smith stock to make it appear that all is well and continuing.  It might be an idea if more and more people actually contacted the post office and lodged their concerns - the odd person won't really cut it.  This affects all of us who use the post office, the community, and the staff who don't wish to move/lose their jobs.

Helen New ● 2816d

I wouldn't hold your breath. There's no money to be made in post offices these days, hence the bit about being important to be sustainable.  You'll need to find someone who has something else to sell alongside stamps or who has money to burn. It's why they're in other shops these days and not stand alone. I've written to Mailboxes Etc, who are owned by DHL and can afford to make a loss on stamps while making it up on couriers. They might be interested in opening in Acton to provide some sort of postal service. They have one in Ealing, Chiswick and North Acton... so maybe they'd be interested?

Tania Bapuji ● 2816d

I got this reply from PO customer service on 3/8:I can confirm that the branch will close due to circumstances beyond our control. I would, however, like to assure you that we remain committed to our customers in your area. At this stage we are not able to put a time frame on establishing replacement services as it is important that any new service introduced is sustainable for both the Post Office and any new operator.

Gail Peters ● 2816d

Yes indeed.  Where do we make a fuss about this?

Sarah Vickers ● 2816d

Do we know if any of the Ward Councillors have had any input in this.  A Crown Post Office is able to carry out many functions a sub post office can't. I would have thought our local Councillors would have taken this up.

Libby Kemp ● 2816d

So right Sarah .Acton gardens is another place that we could have one .

John Kennedy ● 2816d

I think we'd all like to know whether there is actually a plan to have a PO in Acton.  Where it is currently is the right place for one.If there is a plan NOT to have one I would like to know why.You don't normally sell your house before you have a future residence in place.No shops, no PO, thousands of flats. Grrrr!

Sarah Vickers ● 2816d

Why don't make space available at sorting building at bollo bridge rd . I know not ideal for everyone  but at least something till get one sorted on the high street.

John Kennedy ● 2816d

have emailed Christine Moore also Rupa Huq but no response from either.Anyone else had any response?

Nina Battleday ● 2822d

Philip, I would contact them directly with this - that is a huge amount for them to lose from one person alone.  If you wish to contact the area manager, her details are:  christine.moore@postoffice.co.uk

Helen New ● 2827d

I send quite a few packages everyday and it looks like i willstart using Hermes, which is actually cheaper than Royal Mail and only have to drop off at garage in Horn Lane. My postage bill monthly is around £1000.00 which now they will lose.

Philip Brodie ● 2827d

Tony, I have her email address if you wish to contact her:christine.moore@postoffice.co.ukGreat idea with the others - maybe also The Evening Standard?

Helen New ● 2830d

Perhaps everyone should petition the Area Manager, Christine Moore and copy it to the Ealing and Acton Gazette as well as Rupa Hug.

Tony Crumpton ● 2830d

I telephoned Post Office themselves-apparently, the only person to do so-to be told the post office closed 24th October-permanently. The area manager-Christine Moore-was taken around the high street and shown potential other sites, but think this was more for show to appease the staff, rather than going ahead with anything.  The post office knew their lease was not being renewed - they could/should have found alternative premises in that time. Apparently, there is a section on the post office website - How to run a post office - for anyone wishing to do so.  Apparently, no-one is interested. I honestly can't believe no-one is interested in retaining a post office near to the current premises.  Disappointed is an understatement.

Helen New ● 2830d

That's what I thought too

Chris Hurley ● 2830d

I thought the Post Office was just vacating the building but was negotiating to move in with some other retail premises in Acton. Is this no longer the case?

Peter Evans ● 2830d

What an out rage, can someone draft a template for us all to send to the local MP?I don't usually get involved, but I certainly can't sit in silence while they take away such an important facility from the public!

Jay Bower ● 2831d

I would have thought it would be a Duty of Care for the local community that a Post Office remains in Acton. Especially as there are a lot of retired folk living in the area. Also a lot of overseas neighbours who rely on it for sending letters and parcels abroad.

Tony Crumpton ● 2831d

Sums up acton Ealing council needs to get its act  together about acton please contact ur local councillors and voice your concerns.

John Kennedy ● 2831d