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MP voices concern over future of Post Office branch in Cambridge




There is uncertainty over the future of a Post Office branch in Cambridge that closed suddenly.

Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner has expressed his concern over the closure of the branch at 50 High Street, Chesterton, which has been shut since January 18.

With the nearest post office a 16-minute walk away at Arbury Court, the Labour MP warned it will have a negative impact on the local community.

Chesterton Post Office. Picture: Keith Heppell
Chesterton Post Office. Picture: Keith Heppell

A Post Office statement said the branch had been closed due to “operational issues” and it was “working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum”.

Mr Zeichner said: “I am extremely worried that many people, especially those who are infirm, elderly, or vulnerable, may miss out on the important services that a local post office can provide.

“This move has come as a blow and I will be pursuing the matter directly with senior management at Post Office to see if a solution can be found, which would allow this vital community resource to reopen as soon as possible.”

The MP said he had been in contact with the Post Office and understood that the franchisee has experienced staffing difficulties over recent months. He added that there had been no consultation on the closure, which was against the usual Post Office protocol.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Regrettably, due to operational issues, the branch closed temporarily on Wednesday, January 18. Please accept my apologies for the late notification on this occasion.

“I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.

“In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Ltd.

“Post Office is facing a particularly challenging period, as are other high street retailers.

“The impact of rising costs, inflation and restrictions on our funding from government mean that while we will always look to reopen branches when they close, we cannot commit to doing so in every instance. We have a responsibility to make sure every service makes the best possible use of resources, while ensuring that customers can still access our products and services.

“I can assure you that we will continue to work to find a solution that will provide a Post Office service to the Chesterton community.”

The nearest open post offices to the Chesterton branch are:

  • Arbury Court (0.8 miles and a 16-minute walk away);
  • Cobble Yard, Napier Street (0.9 miles and a 19-minute walk away);
  • King’s Hedges Road (one mile and a 21-minute walk away).

Comments on the closure can be emailed to the national consultation team at comments@postoffice.co.uk.



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