Post Office at 16 Clapham High Street WILL CLOSE - our objections overruled

The Post Office in Larkhall ward at 16 Clapham High Street (opposite Clapham North tube, next to the railway bridge) will definitely close as a result of the Post Office's 'Area Plan for London'. The Crown Post Offices at 255 Clapham Road (opposite Stockwell tube station) and at 161 Clapham High Street (just up the road from Sainsburys) are will remain open.

We Love Larkhall previously asked interested residents to respond to the formal consultation, and many people objected including two petitions. Larkhall councillors also wrote to the Post Office to object, citing the difficulty many older residents would have in reaching other Post Office branches. Unfortunately the Post Office rejected our arguments, with this ruling:

Post Office® Clapham High Street branch

The main concerns expressed by respondents during local public consultation in relation to our proposal for this branch related to the potential that the proposed closure might extend waiting times at the nearest alternative branches (which were already perceived to be long) and concerns regarding the distance to nearest alternative branches which might pose difficulties for elderly customers in particular. Respondents also commented that Post Office® Clapham High Street branch is customer friendly and suggested it should in fact be expanded.

Post Office Limited received two petitions in relation to this branch during the local public consultation, both opposing the proposed closure.

Post Office Limited has considered all responses received and a review of this proposal has been undertaken. The two nearest alternative branches, Post Office® Clapham Common branch and Post Office® Stockwell branch, are both within three quarters of a mile of Post Office® Clapham High Street branch. Both offer longer opening hours and a wider range of products and services to customers. Post Office Limited has also considered the capacity of the nearest alternative branches to absorb the expected increased customer levels arising from the proposed closure of Post Office® Clapham High Street branch and is satisfied that good service levels can be maintained. Taking these and all other relevant factors into account, including the needs of more vulnerable customers, Post Office Limited has decided to proceed with the closure of Post Office® Clapham High Street branch.