An Oxfordshire charity has slammed plans for a city centre Post Office to close.
The Post Office recently announced it had plans to close 115 directly-owned branches, including the St Aldate's branch.
Age UK Oxfordshire's CEO Paul Ringer has spoken out against the proposal.
Mr Ringer said: “The planned closure of St Aldate's Post Office is a significant concern, especially for older residents, further compounding the number of high street bank branches that have shut in recent years.
“Post Offices often serve as vital community hubs, providing not only postal services but also a place for social interaction and support.
"For many older people, who may have limited mobility or access to digital services, the closure could mean increased isolation and difficulty in managing essential tasks like paying bills or collecting pensions.
"Community support and accessible alternatives will be key in ensuring that older residents are not negatively affected by this closure.”
READ MORE: Oxford Post Office: Anger over plans to close city branch
She said: "Oxford City Council strongly opposes the proposed closure of the St Aldate's Post Office. This essential facility serves as a crucial resource for local residents and businesses alike, providing vital services that support daily needs of Oxford’s community.
“While we recognise the challenges facing Post Office Ltd, we urge them to reconsider the significant impact of this decision and work with us to explore viable alternatives. The council is committed to advocating for accessible local services that strengthen Oxford’s communities and economy."
Post Office chairman Nigel Railton made the announcement on Wednesday, November 13 saying the decision came as the group looks to boost postmaster pay by £250 million over five years.
The Post Office revealed it is looking to offload 115 directly-owned branches within its 11,500 network.
This could see these branches transferred to retail partners or postmasters, or potentially closed.
Around 1,000 workers are employed across the 115 Post Office branches that are at risk of closing. These positions are now all under threat.
The plans, which are subject to government funding, would see average branch pay doubled by 2030, with £120m in additional pay by the end of the first year.
Mr Railton said: “The Post Office has a 360-year history of public service and today we want to secure that service for the future by learning from past mistakes and moving forward for the benefit of all postmasters.
“We can, and will, restore pride in working for a business with a legacy of service, rather than one of scandal.”
A public inquiry remains ongoing into the Horizon IT scandal, which involved hundreds of subpostmasters who were wrongly convicted of stealing after the company’s defective accounting system made it appear as though money was missing from their branches.
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber you will get:
- Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
- Full access to our app
About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here