Westbourne Post Office to become a franchise, confirm Post Office bosses

Westbourne will retain a Post Office, with Post Office bosses confirming today that services will be protected locally.

It follows a campaign I led, which attracted over 2,000 signatures and captured the attention of government ministers, as well as Post Office bosses.

Last year, the privately-run Post Office revealed its list of branches at risk of closure, which included the much-loved Westbourne branch. I met with Ministers and the CEO of the Post Office to share concerns from residents who dubbed the branch ‘a lifeline’ and to try and find a solution which meant the vital services remained in the community.

Today, the Post Office that currently owns and runs the branch confirmed that the services would remain but would be run as a franchise, rather than directly by Post Office Ltd. As part of the process of appointing a franchise partner, the Post Office will assess a range of factors, including location. While no decision has been made about relocating the branch, the Post Office has confirmed that if a move is proposed, this would trigger a formal six-week public consultation where you can have your say.

“I welcome the news that Post Office services will remain locally,” I said. “The outpouring of support for this much-needed Post Office has been incredible. We had signatures from every single postcode in the Bournemouth area, many with heartfelt comments about how much more this Post Office offered people than just a place to post letters. Local businesses relied on it for banking. For you, it provided an important link with loved ones abroad, and for elderly people, it was a place to pay bills and collect their pension.

“I will be keeping a keen eye on any proposals that the Post Office brings forward that may affect this branch – including the choice of franchise partner and the future of the current building on Seamoor Road. I know that the possibility of changes to the current service, including its location, may cause concern for some of you. I want to reassure you that no decisions have yet been made – and if the Post Office does propose any major changes, that decision would be subject to a full six-week consultation with the local community. I’ll be encouraging everyone to take part in that process to make sure your voices are heard loud and clear.”

The threat facing Westbourne Post Office coincided with the closure of Bournemouth Town Centre Post Office in WH Smiths. One of my key focuses since my election last summer (July 2024) has been on protecting public services.

I added: “Our campaign is not over yet. We need to work together to ensure that the Post Office service that remains in Westbourne is fit for purpose and serves you well.”