A petition to save Westbourne Post Office has now been signed by over 200 people.
Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale launched her campaign after the Seamoor Road site was put on an ‘at risk’ list.
The Post Office plans to close or sell more than 100 post offices nationwide.
The MP said residents and local businesses had expressed deep concern over the loss of such a vital community service and she planned to share their views with the Post Office and government ministers.
She said: “These services go beyond just posting letters – they are a lifeline for many.
“For elderly residents who rely on it for paying bills or withdrawing cash; for local businesses who use it daily for banking and postage; for local families wanting foreign currency, or to send letters to family and friends abroad.
“I’ve heard from so many people who use the Post Office daily or weekly and would be lost without it and I knew I had to take action to try and save Westbourne Post Office.
“With no other Post Office in walking distance, it’s so important we save this branch.
“The decision to include the Westbourne Post Office on the list of branches at risk of closure was made with no prior consultation or input from those who depend on it daily.
“I hope that by sharing the wealth of support for this beloved branch and illustrating the need, Post Office bosses will listen to the concerns, recognise the importance of Westbourne Post Office and to keep the service as it is.”
Comments received by the MP from residents described Westbourne Post Office as the ‘soul’ or ‘heartbeat’ of Westbourne, attracting people from all over and driving footfall into the area.
One signatory pointed to it as the ‘best example of how a Post Office should be run’.
Many praised the friendly and helpful staff and expressed bemusement at the closure threat.
Others pointed out how accessible it was, especially for disabled people, with parking for blue badge holders out front and wide aisles.
- The petition can be found at www.jessicatoale.com/save-westbourne-post-office