Consultation Starts on Changes to Post Office Network – Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Post Office Ltd today opened a six week local public consultation on its Area Plan for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. In line with the criteria and factors set by the Government in its Response document, DTI The Post Office Network, Government response to public consultation May 2007 the Area Plan proposes future provision of Post Office services through a network of 300 branches across the area, resulting in the closure of 62 existing branches.

Under the proposals, more than 99 pct of the area’s population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

Within the 300 branches proposed to serve Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Post Office Ltd is proposing to establish nine outreach services, which would use innovative ways to continue to provide Post Office services- particularly in smaller communities – where the existing branch is proposed for closure.

Possible types of outreach service in Hampshire and The Isle of Wight could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partner (such as a pub landlord).