REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has met with representatives from the Post Office, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and local management during his campaign to keep the town’s branch open.
It was announced in November of last year the branch at Threadneedle House on Alcester Street was one of more than 100 larger crown branches – those owned by the company directly – was due to close.
Mr Bloore, backed by the Redditch Standard, launched a campaign after the announcement in a bid to save the services.
The MP is urging residents to sign his petition to demonstrate the strength of local opposition to any plans that could see the closure or franchising of the Redditch Crown Post Office.
The petition, which has already gained significant support, calls on the Post Office and the government to secure the long-term future of the branch and protect the jobs of its dedicated staff.
He said: “I am deeply concerned about the proposed closure of the Redditch Post Office – a vital service and lifeline for our community, especially our most vulnerable residents.
“This isn’t just another high street closure – it would mean losing essential, face-to-face support that people rely on for banking, bill payments and more.
“Nearly two in five vulnerable customers use these services monthly and, without them, many risk social isolation and financial hardship.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with the Post Office to explore all options to keep these services in Redditch.
“I urge everyone to join our campaign and sign the petition to save our Post Office.”
During the meeting, Mr Bloore spoke with the external affairs manager Laura Tarling and CWU representative Tim Pavelin about the ongoing uncertainty facing Crown Post Office.
The discussions highlighted the serious concerns of residents and postal workers about the potential impact of losing this vital service.
He said: “It was a robust conversation and I made clear to the Post Office the real concerns of residents who rely on these services.
“Our Post Office is more than just a place to send letters and parcels – it is a vital part of our community, supporting local businesses and providing essential banking and postal services.
“The loss of this branch would be a huge blow to our high street and to the people who depend on it.”
Mr Bloore is also calling on the government to intervene, urging ministers to work with the Post Office to explore sustainable solutions which could ensure Crown Post Offices remain a cornerstone of town centres across the country.
The Post Office is looking at options for its wholly-owned branches, which currently employ around 1,000 workers across the UK.
New plans could include alternative franchise arrangements where an operator, such as WHSmith or another third party, could take on the branches.
There are 11,500 Post Office branches across, the UK, most of which are franchises, with 115 Crown Post Offices.
The strategic review, led by the Post Office’s new chairman Nigel Railton, is designed to overhaul how the organisation operates.
Visit chrisbloore.co.uk/saveredditchpostoffice to sign the petition online or go to our Redditch Standard office on Church Green East to add your name to the paper copies.
