Many of you will have seen in the Wimbledon Guardian that the Crown Post Office in Amity Grove, Raynes Park has invited retailers interested in partnering with the branch to come forward (Crown Post Offices are owned solely by the Post Office Ltd).

The Wimbledon Guardian reports that the Post Office Ltd has said this is not a closure programme and promised that if no potential partner comes forward there will be no change to the service. They’ve also said that should any retailers show an interest, the proposal would be subject to a six week public consultation (and if any proposal goes ahead, that existing staff contracts would automatically be transferred to the new retailer).

However, a number of residents tell us that staff have told them that the post office is closing. It could of course be a difference of interpretation, if Amity Grove is closing as a Crown Post Office but continuing as a franchise. In any event, the rumour, speculation and uncertainty help nobody. Lib Dem councillors Iain Dysart and Mary-Jane Jeanes are writing to the chief exec of the Post Office Ltd seeking confirmation of what is to happen and when.

They will also be seeking a guarantee that there will be no interruption of service if the franchise model is adopted, and that the standard of service will be at least as good, or better, than the service currently provided.
Clearly, the response (complete, partial or non-existent) may prompt other questions!

We’ll let you know when we have further details – but do let us know if you have any thoughts on this.