THE POST OFFICE claims it is “not planning closures” in South Woodford – after announcing the George Lane branch will soon shut up shop.

Last week (January 11) The Post Office announced the closure of 37 of its flagship Crown Offices, including the one in South Woodford.

But in a statement this morning (January 16) a spokesman for the company sought to reassure people in the area it is “not planning closures or a reduction of services.”

They said: “The current position in South Woodford is that we are advertising for a suitable franchise partner interested in operating a Post Office branch near the current site in George Lane.

“Our intention is to provide the same services to our customers in a convenient location.

“We cannot expect the taxpayer to subsidise Post Office branches in towns and cities when franchising is a proven, successful model that can be more cost-effective.”

The spokesman added Post Office will listen to all views expressed by residents and local politicians and any franchise proposals will be subject to a six-week consultation.

They said: “We have advised our staff there will not be any overnight change – it could be around 18 months of planning and in the meantime the current Post Office branch will operate as normal.

“The six staff at South Woodford will be kept up to date and will be the first to know of any proposals.

“If we do franchise the branch current staff can transfer to the retailer in line with legislation.”

Speaking last week, Liberal Democrat Cllr for Roding Gwyneth Deakins said she feared there is “nowhere big enough” to accommodate a Post Office franchise in the area.