Hundreds of people have backed a campaign to protect Abbey Wood Post Office from re-franchising and potentially losing services. 

Abbey Wood is one of 300 Crown Post Offices announced for closure or franchising, causing outcry in communities across the country.

A meeting was held last week at the Abbey Wood Post Office and attendees included Teresa Pearce MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Councillor Danny Hackett and representatives of the Pensioners forum, and the Communication Workers Union.

Mole Mead, representative of staff at the Post Office through the Communication Workers Union, said: “Abbey Wood Crown Post Office is an essential part of the local economy.

“It’s a valuable asset to Abbey Wood and is relied upon by local residents and business as well as people that collect their pensions and benefits here.

“Abbey Wood, like so many towns, is struggling in the current climate and if this Post Office was to close it would be a major blow to the local economy and to the services which many people rely on.

“There are hundreds of people who come to this office every day and we just don’t think the same service could be matched by a few windows in the back of another shop.


Teresa Pearce MP said “I was very pleased to see so many people attend the meeting and voice their concerns and their commitment to keep our Crown Post Office.

“The Post Office is an essential service that is used by everyone and is at the heart of our community and together we will fight to save it"

Cllr Hackett, Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth at Bexley Council, said: “There were a number of people at the meeting because the proposed closure would have a massive impact on the people of Thamesmead and Greenwich.

“This was more of a rally, trying to drum up support. Losing this service will affect the history of the area. People rely on this for so many more services than just post, closing this will stop them doing that. It’s just ludicrous.”

A spokesperson for the Post Office said there will be detailed proposals about the future of the branch which will be subject to a six week public consultation.

The spokesperson said: “The position is that Abbey Wood Post Office is not sustainable into the future and therefore we are looking for franchise arrangement which would ensure the same services continue to be provided for our customers in the vicinity for years to come.

“The vast majority of Post Offices, large and small, are operated as franchises and it is a successful way of keeping our branches on high streets and in the heart of communities which we are determined to do.”

An online petition calling for the plans for closure or franchising to be rethought can be sign here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-the-abbey-wood-crown-post-office