MPs Duncan-Smith and Streeting slam Post Office closure plan

Postal, Post Office (PO) January 28 2021

‘Reverse this decision’ and ‘terrible news’, say Members of Parliament…

Yesterday’s shock announcement of proposals to axe South Woodford Crown Post Office in the midst of the most extreme crisis our nation has endured for many decades sparked immediate opposition from both Conservative and Labour MPs in the area.

Former Conservative Party leader Ian Duncan-Smith, who represents the Chingford & Woodford Green Constituency, pointed out that the closure would “leave Woodford without this heavily-used Post Office and no arrangements for any kind of replacement.

“The loss of the Post Office will be a huge blow to South Woodford’s main shopping district at what is a difficult time for the High Street,” he continued, adding: “We are opposed to anything that would endanger long term postal service provision in South Woodford and staff losing their jobs.

“I’m calling upon the Post Office to reverse this decision and to make a commitment to retaining this key service for South Woodford.” 

Wes Streeting, Member of Parliament for neighbouring Ilford North, described the shock decision as “terrible news for local residents in South Woodford, including my own Constituents who go there regularly.”

Expressing the “sincere hope” that the closure can be prevented, Mr Streeting made the important point that “closing good post offices is easier than opening good post offices.”

CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey told CWU.org this morning that he is “very pleased at the immediate outpouring of opposition to this shocking decision by Post Office bosses.

“It’s great that we have cross-party support for the fight to save South Woodford Crown Office and I suspect that the people who made this reckless announcement underestimated the anger that they would provoke.

“At a time when our country is facing what is, without exaggeration, the worst national crisis since World War Two, it frankly beggars belief that Post Office bosses would arbitrarily axe such an important public service and local community hub.”

An article in this week’s Ilford Recorder recalled how a vigorous local campaign – supported by Mr Duncan-Smith, the CWU and the local community – saved South Woodford Crown Office from the axe back in 2018.

Ilford Recorder journalist Roy Chacko wrote: “The branch was at risk of closure in 2018 but was saved at the last minute, thanks to the efforts of almost 2,000 people that signed a petition, with help from the CWU and MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, Iain Duncan Smith.”

Speaking today, Andy Furey recalled: “That was an extremely lively and very broadly supported campaign, which succeeded in saving South Woodford from the axe. Make no mistake, we’re now fighting to save it once again – and this time, the campaign will be even stronger.

Thanking both MPs, Andy said that Mr Duncan-Smith has “been very supportive of his Constituents and of CWU efforts in the past on this issue and it’s great to have his backing again,” while Mr Streeting’s intervention “is also very welcome and proves the important point that any Crown Office closures also have a deeply damaging effect on neighbouring areas.

“With the support of MPs, local councillors, residents, and local businesses, this is a fight for important community services and quality jobs we can win and will win.”