Concerns raised after Post Office announce closure of Cricklewood Broadway branch

Serious concerns have been raised about the closure of a North London Post Office after the company announced plans to shut 32 branches across the city. There are fears the closure would particularly impact elderly, disabled, and other vulnerable residents, as well as having a detrimental effect on the local economy.

Up to 32 Post Office branches across London could close as part of a national shake-up aimed at restructuring the business. The city is home to around 28 per cent of the 115 earmarked branches across the UK, all of which are wholly-owned by the Post Office and not those run as franchises by sub-postmasters.

One of the branches listed is the Post Office branch in Cricklewood Broadway, which has prompted a campaign by councillors across three boroughs to advocate for its continued operation. Local representatives in Brent, Barnet, and Camden have written to the company urging it to reconsider and formally oppose the decision.

READ MORE: Full list of the 33 London Post Office branches facing closure

READ MORE: Typhoo Tea on brink of collapse after 120 years in business

Signed by six councillors representing the tri-borough area, the letter states: “The Cricklewood Post Office performs a crucial role for the residents in our communities. It is a much-used community hub, which often has long queues and offers a variety of face-to-face services on which residents depend. This is particularly the case for elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents, or those lacking the skills or devices to access services at home.”

It adds: “The Post Office also benefits the local community by promoting footfall along Cricklewood Broadway, at a time when the vitality of many local high streets is at risk. Closing this community asset would not only inconvenience hundreds of Cricklewood residents, but could also have detrimental effects on the local economy.”

The Post Office confirmed on Wednesday it was seeking to offload the 115 branches it centrally owns, but said it expected to maintain the total network at 11,500 branches across the UK. It said its remaining directly managed branches were loss-making and that it was in talks with unions about ‘future options’ for the businesses.

The closures put at risk approximately 1,000 jobs, although the Post Office expects that all the branches will be re-franchised to new owners over the next five years. Around 2,000 branches are run by partners including Tesco, WH Smith and Morrisons, whilst about 9,000 are run by independent operators.

The current Mayor of Brent and councillor for Cricklewood and Mapesbury, Tariq Dar, took to social media to raise more public awareness that the Cricklewood Broadway branch is ‘at risk’. He said the news had ‘spurred strong and immediate opposition’ amongst local representatives and residents.

Cllr Dar said: “Cricklewood Broadway. Meetings are already underway to discuss campaign strategies, including drafting letters to Post Office executives and organising a public awareness effort. This coordinated response emphasises the community’s reliance on the post office for essential services and underscores a commitment to keep it accessible.”

He added: “This proactive approach draws on past successes in defending the post office and reflects a unified stance against closures that could impact vulnerable groups and local businesses.”

Don't miss out on the biggest stories from across the city: Sign up to MyLondon's The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day