Westbourne Post Office to stay open following campaign by Jessica Toale MP

Post Office bosses have confirmed that Westbourne Post Office will remain up and running at its Seamoor Road site thanks to franchise deal with Bournemouth-based South Coast Retail. 

The much-loved branch was threatened with closure earlier this year, but has been saved following a campaign led by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale during which more than 2,000 people signed a petition calling for the branch to stay open.  

“This is great news,” said Jessica, who also met with government ministers and Post Office bosses to highlight the need for this local service to remain in Westbourne – especially after the Bournemouth town centre branch closed. “The petition, and people’s heartfelt comments, revealed Westbourne Post Office to be so much more than a place to send letters. Local people relied on it to do banking, prepare documentation for travelling or driving, and stay connected to family and friends abroad. I’m delighted that a suitable franchisee has come forward to take this site on and ensure these vital services remain in place.” 

Bournemouth-based South Coast Retail already operates Post Office branches and card shops across the region, including in Christchurch, Swanage, Dorchester and Weymouth. They will run the branch while long-term arrangements are finalised. 

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Our proposed franchise plans mean branches will continue to operate from the same premises while the long-term permanent proposal is confirmed, with customers being able to continue accessing the same products and services with the same opening hours.” 

The announcement revealed today by Post Office Ltd follows several previous announcements for almost 100 branches at other locations in the UK and forms part of a wider ‘New Deal for Postmasters’ plan announced in April. If the Post Office wants to move the branch to another location at a later date, a public consultation is required. 

Jessica added: “This move means Westbourne Post Office is safe for now, but there is a chance the long-term plans could result in the branch moving site which I know that local people do not want. I will be urging Post Office to find a way to keep it at its current location beyond indefinitely. 

“A big thank you to everyone who signed the petition. We’ll let you know if any further action is needed but, for now, your Post Office has been saved.”