Post office in Oxford will reopen despite six months of silence

The closure of the Marston Post Office was only meant to be 'temporary' but the kiosk at the Costcutter remains shut and the office is listed as permanently closed on Google.

The booth on Old Marston Road closed in February – apparently for the final time – but did not warn locals about the plans to do so.

In March, the national delivery service reassured residents that the closure was not forever and that it would be back up and running soon.

But nearly half a year later there is still no signs that the office will reopen and the post office bosses say there is 'no update to give'.

Despite the lack of information, the spokesperson remained hopeful the branch would resume normal service 'as soon as possible' highlighting the important role it plays in the village.

A councillor for the area Mick Haines has previously described the post office as something of an unofficial community centre – explaining that residents use it to meet up, catch up and send post.

About 10 years ago he also rallied the community together to save the post office when it came under threat of closing indefinitely, vowing to take the plea all the way to the top Mr Haines handed the petition – signed by about 1,200 – into 10 Downing Street.

Read more about the petition here

The Post Office has now issued the same statement about the closure of the office for the second time, urging locals to send post at alternative branches on Westlands Drive – about a 15-minute walk away, and in the Co-op on London Road in Headington – about a 30-minute walk away.

In the statement they said: "We sincerely apologise to customers for any inconvenience by the temporary closure of Marston Road Post Office since February 19.

"We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services.

"We would like to reassure customers that the decision to suspend services at any of our branches is never taken lightly.

"We take very seriously any decision to temporarily close a branch and will only do so when it is warranted.

"We are working hard to restore services for the community as soon as possible.

The company refused to give any more information like why the branch was closed or whether residents should expect another six months without a post office.

In April residents wrote letters to the Post Office to say how important their local branch is.

The locals said they are writing the letters to make sure the decision to reopen the Marston Post Office is not changed.

Old Marston Post Office has not been listed as a place up for sale on the 'run a post office' website.

Other branches are available to run in the city.

A similar kiosk style one at Underhill Circus in Headington has been listed at the estimated fees of £500 to £800 per year.

The others are for sale in the 'OX1 area' - Kennington and Abingdon Road.