Caroline Nokes MP has today expressed her strong opposition to the Post Office's plans to close up to 115 branches, including the vital main branch in Romsey.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Ms Nokes described the potential closure as "devastating" for local businesses, elderly residents, and the wider community, who rely heavily on the essential services provided by the Post Office.
Ms Nokes highlighted the impact such a move would have on Romsey, particularly given the recent reduction in banking facilities. She stated:
"Over the past few years, we have seen banking services much diminished in the town, with the presence of a main branch Post Office providing a range of banking services as a viable alternative. For many, this has proved to be a workable solution, but if the Post Office goes, there will be next to nothing left."
Ms Nokes emphasised that small businesses in Romsey, which still rely on cash transactions, would face significant challenges. Similarly, the town's elderly population—many of whom depend on postal services and other Post Office functions—would struggle to access the support they need.
She further criticised the Post Office’s handling of its network, pointing to the damage caused by the Horizon IT scandal and the closure of numerous branches in its aftermath. Ms Nokes described the current plans as evidence of the Post Office continuing to neglect the needs of its customers and subpostmasters:
"The Post Office has an appalling reputation at present, following the Horizon scandal, during which many subpostmasters and mistresses were forced out of the business. We saw the network shrink dramatically, and this latest proposal is further evidence of the Post Office riding roughshod over the 'little people,' the customers that are its lifeblood."
Ms Nokes has called on the Secretary of State to intervene and halt these closures, warning of their damaging effects on local communities.
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The full letter to the Secretary of State can be found below:
