More than 300 people have signed a petition to save a 19th century city centre Post Office.
Susanna Pressel, Oxford city councillor, launched the campaign after the Post Office announced it had plans to close 115 directly-owned branches, including the St Aldate's branch in the city.
The move has been criticised by the leader of Oxford City Council Susan Brown and by the Age UK Oxfordshire charity.
Mrs Pressel said that the facility offers an "essential service for local residents and businesses alike".
By Monday, November 18, it had gained 340 signatures.
READ MORE: Oxford Post Office: Anger over plans to close city branch
“One of these branches is our flagship post office on St Aldate's in Oxford city centre.
“Our post office is an essential service for local residents and businesses alike, and it has served our community in its current space since 1880.
“Oxford Labour are heartened to hear that our government has made it clear that the review aims to find the best way to keep branches open up and down the country - and that it must be done in close consultation with postmasters, trade unions, and local communities.
“We stand in unity with the Communication Workers Union (CWU), and we call on the leadership of Post Office Ltd to work with the union and Oxford City Council to find solutions. We need to secure the future of this crucial community asset, local jobs, and good pay for postmasters.
“Please sign this petition to help save post office services in our city centre.”
Mrs Pressel, ward councillor for Osney & St Thomas, previously said: "The postal delivery service has been terrible for some years now.
"If we are in addition going to lose even more of our precious post offices, including the main post office in St Aldate’s, some people will be beside themselves with rage."
People have been commenting on the online petition to say why they think it should remain open.
Among those was Jane Caplan who said: “This post office is an essential service for Oxford residents, and is the sole post office within reach of the city centre since so many other branches were closed.
“It is heavily used, as witness the long queues and waiting times for service. The idea that it is a candidate for closure beggars belief.
"AI service delivered by computer or mobile phone are no substitute for in person advice and the solution of users’ problems.
“That it is even being considered reveals a shameful lack of knowledge and care for ordinary people’s needs.”
For more details about the petition, visit change.org/p/save-st-aldate-s-post-office.
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About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby
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