A petition to save a Post Office in Oxford city centre is gathering pace with more than 1,000 signatures.
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.
By Tuesday, November 26 it had been signed by 1,028 people.
People have been leaving comments on the petition's website, with one describing the plans as "utterly inconceivable".
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“The Post Office is one of the services they travel here for, and local residents, students, visitors and business use it too. Oxford without its Post Office is utterly inconceivable.”
Another comment from local Kathy Ludbrook added: “Post Offices are critical for millions of students, pensioners, those on a low income, and even the homeless.
"I still use it for cash, foreign currency, passport renewal, posting letters, birthday cards and gifts.
“For those ordering online it's a vital collection point for parcels. All these are services where a high degree of trust is required, which the Post Office offers.”
Another comment from Susie Crow said: “We used to have three post offices and several banks in Summertown, and now have none, so I have to travel into the centre of Oxford to use the St Aldate's post office to buy stamps, but also for travel arrangements and foreign currency.
“It is an essential service, always busy, and the staff are courteous and helpful. Closing it would further downgrade the centre of Oxford and what it offers city residents.”
In the petition's preamble, it said: “On Wednesday November 13, the Post Office Ltd announced that it would be launching a review of the 115 post office branches that it manages directly.
“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.”
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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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