Opposition is gathering to the relocation of the Crown Post Office from Shepherd’s Bush Green to the WHSmith branch within Westfield shopping centre
Hammersmith and Fulham Council , community groups and users of the service have hit out at the decision, and are calling for the branch to remain on the green.
Plans revealed last month by the Post Office could see the branch move 450 metres to the WHSmith branch.
The council has called on Post Office Ltd to keep the busy branch in Shepherds Bush Green in an accessible ground-floor retail unit.
It says opportunities are available at the nearby West12 Centre, with units there available with the departures of Morrisons and HSBC , and believes a move there would help attract customers and offer better access to residents.
The branch must move from its current home of 65-69 The Green as the owners of the building are evicting its tenants ahead of re-developing the site.
Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “Moving the post office into Westfield is a real threat to the long-term economic success of Shepherds Bush town centre
“But relocating it to the W12 Centre would make much more sense and would ensure the centre continues to thrive as it looks for new tenants.”
Sylvia Edwards, from Shepherd’s Bush, agreed. She said: “It is so much better to come to a proper post office. No one will be able to get into WHSmith. It is so inconvenient.”
Mustafi Sabri, from White City agreed. He said: “I don’t think it’s a very good idea. WHSmith seems a bit small.”
The Hammersmith & Fulham Historic Buildings Group also backs relocation to the W12 centre. Vice chair Annabel Clarke: “Having a post office located in the rear of the WHSmith in Westfield is not an option elderly, partially-sighted, and those with mobility problems.
“There must be a better solution and we agree that the post office should relocate to the West12 Centre.”
The proposed new Westfield service will four open-plan counters and one a traditional screened position.
Roger Gale, Crown Post Office and WHSmith network general manager, said work is being done with WHSmith to ensure isles are wide and clear, allowing access for customers in wheelchairs.
A consultation on the proposed move is open until December 7. Views can be submitted through the Post Office , by calling 03457 22 33 44 or by post to FREEPOST Your Comments.
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