TG Jones, formerly WH Smiths, which houses the Post Office in West Wickham is closing. This will leave West Wickham without a Post Office, from 19 October.
The MP for Beckenham and Penge, and the West Wickham councillors each started a petition to save the Post Office, and there was a public consultation.
Liam Conlon MP has since shared an update on his progress:
“I’ve held meetings with Post Office Ltd., to press the case for West Wickham – and having a petition which [sic] so much local support really helped me to make that case. Our discussions have been positive and constructive, focused on the important social and economic value it brings to West Wickham.
We are making progress, and I want to update you on some specifics:
- Applications for a new site / shop to host a Post Office on West Wickham High Street have now closed.
- I’m pleased to be able to update you that multiple applications were received – and I have met with several of those applicants myself, and I am confident there are some good quality applications included.
- The next step in the process is for Post Office Ltd. to assess those applications. They will be looking at a range of criteria including the suitability of the premises, background and compliance checks, and sufficient funding to set-up and run the operation.
This process takes time, and unfortunately will not be completed in time for Monday 19th October. That means, that at least for a period of time, West Wickham High Street will be without a Post Office.
However, I will keep campaigning on this and working with our local community, local businesses, the Post Office, and potential new venues to do everything I can to ensure we see one return within the next six months.”
Hopefully, we’ll get some positive news from the Post Office in the future. In the meantime, the petitions to save the Post Office are still open, if you would like to sign them:
