On Saturday, 10th February local residents and campaigners held a ‘Valentine’s Day Massacre’ mourning demonstration outside New Cross Gate Crown Post Office which is to close on 15th February 2018. Campaigners argue that this is the loss of a vital public service for an inferior franchise offer.
A smaller franchise post office will open in a local convenience store at One Stop 165 – 167 New Cross Road, London, SE14 5DG. The Post Office announcement is here
Home Office services like the Foreign Nationals Biometric Residents Permit will be lost.
The Communications Workers Union are campaigning for a successful post office network including a new Post Bank. Mole Mead, CWU opposes the closure of Crown Post Offices saying that the closure of Crown post offices will have negative economic and social effects on high streets – even if moved just 500 yards into the back of a newsagent – with the businesses left behind suffering and the area going into decline. The only thing driving this move is cuts to make profit.
Clive Tickner, CWU Area Representative said: “This is a very sad day for the staff that have served this community over many years.”
Councillor Alan Hall, Chair of Lewisham Council’s Business Panel said: “New Cross Gate Crown Post Office provides a vital public service. It will be missed. Hundreds of customers and local residents have signed our banner and book to say thank you for the years of public service.”
He went on to say: “With Sydenham Crown Post Office under threat this means there could be no Crown Post Offices within the London Borough of Lewisham – and the loss of a full range of services for our residents. The Post Office should think again.”
Councillor Alan Hall attended a parliamentary debate held at Westminster Hall on Tuesday 25th April 2017 – you can watch the debate here
Councillor Alan Hall requested a briefing on Lewisham’s Crown Post Offices from the CWU – this is here
Read the Newsshopper report here