Harold Hill Post Office Saved from Closure After Successful Local Campaign

In a win for the Harold Hill community, the directly-managed Post Office branch on Farnham Road will not now be closed after a grassroots campaign led by Julia Lopez MP. Post Office confirmed last week that the branch - which had been earmarked for closure - will instead be franchised, offering hope for its long-term future. The decision follows months of lobbying, meetings with Post Office officials, and a resident-backed petition.

The decision comes after detailed consultations with staff, trade unions, and local stakeholders. As part of a nationwide strategy to create a more sustainable Post Office network, the Harold Hill branch will now be operated by an experienced retail partner, maintaining vital postal services for the area.

Julia Lopez MP, who has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the branch, welcomed the outcome.

"I am so glad that the Post Office has decided not to close its Harold Hill branch," she said. "This decision reflects the strong support from residents and businesses. I will be following discussions on franchising the branch very closely to ensure it continues to serve our community, particularly as the Farnham Road area is developed in the coming years."

The MP’s campaign, which included a widely supported petition, underscored the importance of the branch—particularly for residents who depend on cash services and face limited access to transport. The franchising process is expected to take place in the autumn and could result in longer opening hours and an expanded range of services, aiming to meet the evolving needs of the local community.