Residents worry about outsourcing of ‘lifeline’ Raynes Park post office

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Report

Raynes Park residents are furious about plans to franchise their local post office, fearing it could see services or opening hours dramatically cut, or services relocated.

Politicians have called on the plans to be reconsidered, with Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler saying: “The Raynes Park post office is a lifeline, especially for those with mobility issues, older residents and small businesses.”

The potential franchising was revealed following the publication of the Post Office’s ‘Transformation Plan’. This would see the 115 directly-owned ‘Crown’ branches across the UK turned into franchises in an effort to streamline the system and save costs.

The affected branches, which employ nearly 1,000 staff, are reportedly facing significant financial losses, according to Post Office officials. Raynes Park in Amity Grove is one of branches on the list.

Following the announcement on November 13, residents and local councillors rallied to show their opposition to the plans, fearing initially it might result in closure. A petition was subsequently set up by Merton Lib Dems, which they say has attracted nearly 2,000 signatures already.

Local resident Heather Keith expressed her concern, saying: “Our Post Office is more than just a service; it’s a community hub. With no bank in the area, losing our Post Office to a franchise would be a disaster for the many people who rely on it every day.”

Councillor Victoria Wilson said: “Residents are absolutely furious about this proposal. The Post Office is central to our thriving High Street, and we’re determined to keep Post Office services in Raynes Park. We can’t afford any disruption to these vital services.”

Paul Kohler, Wimbledon’s new MP, has written to the Secretary of State for Business to highlight the concerns of residents. “We should be making it easier for communities to access local services, not finding ways to take them away,” Mr Kohler said.

“The Raynes Park Post Office is a lifeline, especially for those with mobility issues, older residents, and small businesses. My colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that Post Office services continue in Raynes Park.”

In his letter, he reminded Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, that Raynes Park no longer has a bank, adding that the Post Office had become a one-stop shop for locals. He added: “My constituents have also emphasised how much they value the friendliness, experience and dedication of the staff.”

Merton’s Labour council leader, Ross Garrod, also expressed his dismay at the plans, and stated that he would be writing to the Post Office’s chief executive in an effort to get them to reconsider. He said the decision ‘would be absolutely devastating for our community’.

Opponents to the plans are now calling for an alternative solution that would allow essential services to continue somewhere in Raynes Park.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents staff, has strongly opposed the proposals, warning that closures and job cuts would have a devastating impact on local communities and workers.

Pictured top: Liberal Democrat councillors Victoria Wilson, Chessie Flack and Matthew Willis campaigning to save post office services in Raynes Park (Picture: Merton Lib Dems)