Kettering Post Office on Lower Street is one of 115 branches across the UK under review, putting 1,000 employees at risk of losing their jobs.
This development has significant implications for residents of Kettering and surrounding areas, including our village, which has relied heavily on the Kettering branch since losing its own Post Office a few years ago. Now, local MP Rosie Writing want to hear your views.
A Vital Community Resource
For many in our village, the closure of our Post Office was a significant loss. The Kettering branch has since become an essential service for some villagers, offering access to postal, financial, and other critical facilities. However, the recent announcement by the Post Office to review its directly managed branches (DMBs) could leave our community even further disconnected.
Adding to the uncertainty, Boughton Estates has indicated that the long-term viability of the village shop in the old Post Office building is “challenging,” making it highly unlikely that we will ever see a Post Office return to the village.
Local MP Speaks Out
Rosie Wrighting, our local MP and a fellow villager, is determined to ensure that the voices of Kettering and its surrounding communities are heard. She has launched a survey to gather feedback on the importance of the Kettering branch and how its closure would impact residents. Rosie plans to present the findings in meetings with Post Office representatives and Government ministers.
“It’s incredibly important to me that the people of Kettering and surrounding villages get to have their say during this review. Post Offices play a vital role in our communities, and I know many constituents are worried about the branch’s future. I encourage every local person to fill the survey in so their voice is heard.”
How You Can Help
Residents are urged to take part in the survey and share their views on:
- How often they use the Kettering Post Office.
- The services they rely on at the branch.
- The importance of the branch to Kettering’s town centre.
- The impact its closure would have on their daily lives.
The survey can be completed online at https://survey.labour.org.uk/ketteringpostoffice.
Why This Matters
For communities like ours, losing another Post Office could mean increased travel, reduced access to services, and a deeper strain on residents, especially those without reliable transport. Your voice can help highlight the critical role the Kettering branch plays in our lives.