Post Office Pressed By Council on Putney Plans
Concerns for counter services as existing site is proposed for redevelopment
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The branch at 214 Upper Richmond Road is the only remaining post office in central Putney. Their tenancy agreement is set to expire in 2012 and the building's owner has now received planning permission to redevelop the site.
Post Office managing director Alan Cook has guaranteed services will continue to be provided in the town centre but councillors want assurances that a new branch would provide the full range of service.
Deputy council leader Maurice Heaster said,
"The Post Office has had years to prepare for this move but we're yet to see any firm plans. It's an excellent opportunity to create an enhanced town centre branch, either in a new location or back in the exiting building once the redevelopment is complete. Our fear is that without proper planning the branch will be shifted to an inadequate location where services will suffer.
"We're looking for assurances that the long-term home will be central, modern and meets the expectations of the local community. In recent years branches at Putney Bridge Road and Lower Richmond Road have been shut down permanently through the Government's national closure programme and we cannot afford to see the town centre's last remaining counter service to deteriorate.
"Its time for the Post Office to demonstrate its commitment to Putney and set out proposals for the type of modern town centre facility local residents and businesses need."
Wandsworth has lost half its branch network since 2003 as part of the national programme of closures. Across London more than 450 post offices have shut for good in this period.
March 23, 2010