Long Lawford Post Office fate sealed; to close in February - The Rugby Observer

Long Lawford Post Office fate sealed; to close in February

Rugby Editorial 21st Jan, 2016 Updated: 27th Oct, 2016   0

LONG Lawford’s post office will close down on Friday February 26, ending hopes of a reprieve.

The Heart of England Co-operative Society, which houses the Post Office in its Long Lawford branch, made the announcement on Thursday (January 21). A public notice has gone on display at the branch.

A Heart of England Co-operative Society said: “It is a decision which has not been taken lightly and has been taken in light of a recent move by Post Offices Ltd to call for a conversion of existing facilities in convenience stores as part of their modernisation programme which would require substantial investment.

“Over the years strategic changes within Post Offices Ltd have led to reduced over-the-counter and transactional based services. As a consequence, the Post Office has seen a significant reduction in footfall and income and in recent years has become financially non-viable.”




The branch’s two staff members have been advised of the closure and entered into a consultation period which could see them relocated elsewhere in the Society.

Campaigners who launched petitions to save the Post Office – which attracted over 700 signatures – have remained defiant.


Villager and Rugby Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition spokesman Pete McLaren, one of the petition organisers, said: “There is massive opposition to the plans to close the Post Office.

“We have sent copies of our petitions to the Co-operative Society demanding that they re-consider their closure plan, and also to to the Post Office itself.

“If the Co-op still refuses to reconsider its planned closure, we are asking the Post Office to work with us to find alternative premises for post office services in Long Lawford.”

“A number of people in the village have no transport, are not on the internet and do not have bank accounts. The Post Office is their lifeline for so many services. That is why we will continue with this campaign for as long as it takes.

“The Co-op should be providing services for the community in line with its founding principles rather than worrying about making profits.”

Coun Derek Poole, ward councillor for Wolston and the Lawfords, confirmed that early negotiations were taking place between Rugby Borough Council officers, the Post Office and Long Lawford Parish Council to relocate the service to a Borough Council building.

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