Leader's statement - the closure of Wood Green Post Office

Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, has issued a statement following notice of the closure of Wood Green Post Office.
 

"Haringey’s High Streets are the beating heart of our borough and our local economy. They are home to many vital day-to-day services that our residents and businesses need easy access to.

"The Post Office in Wood Green will be closed on 11 March when WHSmith shuts their doors.

"The closure of the Post Office is not an isolated incident.

"Across the country, important high street services are closing. For instance, the Crouch End branch of Halifax will close in April. This will impact residents and businesses, increase pressure on the already stretched Crouch End Post Office, as well as having a knock-on impact on high-street footfall. 

"Thousands of people in Wood Green use and rely on the Post Office. It’s where many people still collect their benefits and pensions. There are lots of local people who don’t have access to the internet and lots who don’t use debit or credit cards. The Post Office is the only place where they can access their funds. The next nearest Post Office is some distance away and does not offer the same range of services.  

"For many people, including the elderly, those with mobility issues, and those who may struggle to afford public transport this may mean that they are unable to access the services they need, when they need them. 

"We want to assure our residents and business community that we are doing everything we can to ensure there is a continuous Post Office service in Wood Green and a new Post Office is established as soon as possible. 

"We have made very clear to the Post Office  how important this local service is to our community. We are also working with The Mall and Catherine West, the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, to support the Post Office to find another High Street location. 

"We will continue to work with the Post Office to make sure that resolving this issue quickly is a top priority. 

"Post Offices and banks must continue to be part of Haringey’s High Streets."