Post Office Confirms Relocation To Go Ahead

New Putney Post Office will open on 26th November

The Post Office has confirmed that they will be proceeding with the relocation of the above branch to 197 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6SG, where it will operate as one of their new style main Post Office branches.

Mark Lawrence, the Regional Network Manager said:
"I received a small number of comments from customers and local representatives during the consultation period. Some comments supported the move as it will enable us to maintain Post Office services to the local community with longer opening hours. However, some feedback commented on the proposed location being further away from the High Street and station, which could be difficult for elderly and disabled people, and whether the proposed premises would have enough space to accommodate a Post Office. Some respondents said that the current branch is busy and has queues and hoped that the proposed new Post Office would provide an improved service."

Simon Burman, the Senior Stakeholder Manager met with Matthew Sprake (Researcher to Justine Greening, MP) to discuss the proposal on a face to face basis and to help us to understand any local issues causing particular concern.

Mr Lawrence continued:
" The feedback expressed within the correspondence and at the meeting has enabled me to improve my understanding of customers’ concerns and to ensure that all such information was taken into account before finalising our plans for the new service. I am very aware of the importance a Post Office branch has in local communities, particularly to our elderly and disabled customers. I also acknowledge that any such change may cause inconvenience to some, however, it may be helpful if I explain that this branch has been operated on our behalf by a temporary agent. Whilst this has allowed us to ensure that our customers have had continued access to Post Office services, these arrangements should be considered to be short term measures only, as it places the service in a precarious position. In addition the current landlord is re-developing the current site so we have been forced to look at alternative options for the branch. This move has been proposed in order to create a more sustainable Post Office service to the local community."

The new subpostmaster plans to completely refurbish the new premises that are currently empty, to incorporate a new modern main Post Office also selling a range of cards and stationery. The new Post Office counter area, which will have a mixture of open plan and traditional style screened counter serving positions, will be carefully integrated into the store ensuring there is sufficient space for both Post Office and retail customers.

The Post Office have working with the new subpostmaster to plan the interior layout of the Post Office counter area to ensure optimum use of the space within the premises.


Mr Lawrence said:
"Our new style branches have been designed to increase customer convenience through longer opening hours with the added benefit of a Post Office serving position open where customers can transact Post Office services for the same opening hours as the shop. This will provide our customers with greater flexibility when using the branch and we’ll be working closely with our operator to ensure customers receive a good standard of service.

I have carefully considered my original proposal and the feedback received during the formal period of public consultation. I am confident that the new service is suitably located and will meet the needs of our customers in the local community. This move will secure Post Office services to the local community in the longer term."

The current branch will close at 13:00 on Saturday 24 November 2012, with the new branch opening on Monday 26 November 2012.

The new Post Office Opening hours will be:
Mon 09:00 - 17:30
Tue 09:00 - 17:30
Wed 09:00 - 17:30
Thu 09:00 - 17:30
Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Sat 09:00 - 17:30
Sun Closed

One of the counter serving positions will also open for the same hours as the shop:
Mon - Fri 07:00 - 19:00
Sat 09:00 – 17:30
Sun Closed

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October 12, 2012