Kettering MP Initiates Survey on At-Risk Post Office Branch

Rosie Wrighting, the Labour MP for Kettering, has urged residents who utilize an at-risk Post Office to contribute their opinions through a survey. Wrighting stated that participation in the questionnaire regarding the Lower Street Post Office would ensure local perspectives are considered in upcoming discussions with Post Office representatives and government ministers. The survey will ask respondents about their frequency of using the branch, the specific services they access there, its importance to the town centre, and how any closure would affect them. Wrighting commented: “It’s incredibly important to me that the people of Kettering get to have their say during this review.” The Post Office is currently evaluating various strategies to reduce its central costs, which includes examining the future of its remaining directly-managed branches (DMBs). These strategies could involve alternative franchise arrangements, where an operator such as the retailer WHSmith or another third party assumes management. Last month, a list of 115 branches across the UK, including the Lower Street Post Office, was disclosed after the Post Office sought to divest its ‘loss-making’ outlets. Potential closures could place 1,000 employees at risk of job loss. Wrighting further remarked: “Post Offices play a vital role in our communities and I know many constituents are worried about the branch’s future.“I want to put your concerns directly to the Post Office and the government and I encourage every local person to fill the survey in so their voice is heard.” Discussions concerning future options for the DMBs are taking place with unions.