Islington Labour’s councillors for Bunhill have repeated their calls for Old Street Crown Post Office to be saved, in its response to the public consultation.  

The Post Office is proposing to close the existing purpose-built branch and to relocate services into the Co-op retail store at 185 Old Street. 

Over 100 local residents have signed Islington Labour’s petition to save Old Street Crown Post Office.  

Post offices offer local people vital services that are central to their everyday lives. From accessing social security support, to applying for passports and posting parcels – post offices are incredibly highly valued by many people. 

The Old Street Crown Post Office is a busy branch that meets the needs of thousands of local people every year. If it is relocated to the proposed Co-op supermarket, there will be reduced counterpoints which would make service slower at busy times. 

Residents and businesses alike use the branch on a regular basis. EC1 has the largest proportion of start-up businesses in the country and many have to keep running costs very low and use the post office for sending items, rather than a more expensive courier service.  

Cllr Phil Graham, Bunhill Ward Councillor, said: 

“The Crown Post Office branch at Old Street acts as a vital community hub for many residents who have lived there for decades and have seen their local area change before their eyes, many of whom may find new technology daunting. 

“The Post Office hasn’t advertised their proposals or their consultation well enough to local residents, meaning many have been left in the dark. They are concerned at another local institution closing and their access to services being reduced.”  

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, said:  

“We have seen multiple post office branches close across our borough in recent years without any new branches that offer the same range of services opening to replace them. Many residents rely on their local post office for a variety of services and the branch at Old Street is particularly busy.  

“I am proud to stand alongside Bunhill’s Islington Labour councillors and Emily Thornberry MP, and urge the Post Office to reconsider and keep this vital Post Office open.”