RESIDENTS of a Southampton neighbourhood have failed to save their post office, despite lobbying MPs and collecting a petition of more than 1,000 signatures.
The decision to close the Bitterne Park branch permanently was announced by the Post Office following a public consultation exercise.
Last month residents and traders from the area staged a protest at Bitterne Park Triangle after the Daily Echo revealed the Post Office's plans to close ten branches across the city as part of a nationwide cost-cutting exercise.
Residents said they were being robbed of vital community services and that many people, especially the elderly and disabled, would not be able to catch a bus to Portswood or manage the 20-minute walk up a steep hill to use the nearest alternative branches in Oak Tree Road.
They were joined at the protest by Southampton Itchen MP John Denham, who was presented with the petition.
The Post Office said the closures would only take place after the public consultation, during which customers, MPs, local organisations and independent watchdog Postwatch were able to put forward their views.
Following the consultation, though, the Post Office has confirmed its decision to close the branch.
Paul Simmons, Post Office Ltd Head of Area, said: "Post Office Ltd acknowledges that seeing a local facility close is disappointing for those who use it and who perhaps find the prospect of change unsettling.
"However, whilst at this time it is of little consolation to those customers, it is only by closing branches where alternatives are available and accessible to customers that we can maintain a nationwide network of Post Office branches for the long term."
Richard Effeny, chairman of Bitterne Park Trading Association and owner of Picture Framing and Art in Bitterne Park Triangle, said: "This is a hammer blow for local traders and the local community."
Labour MP Mr Denham has pledged to appeal to the Minister to examine the case.
"It makes a mockery of the Post Office watchdog Postwatch, who opposed the closure," he said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article