Ringwood Post Office to remain closed

The Post Office branch, which was located in the McColls store on Southampton Road, closed on August 26, 2020, after the incumbent postmaster resigned.

Adam Williams, Post Office partner account manager, said: “The vacancy in Ringwood has been advertised on our website and a member of the field team has also personally visited the area but so far, we have received no interest or formal applications for the position.

“Unfortunately, we have therefore been unable to identify a suitable solution and I’m writing to you to advise you that as there have been no suitable opportunities to re-establish a service, this branch will remain closed.”

The McColls store that housed the post office branch also closed in September 2020 and the lot has remained empty since.

A branch of the sandwich franchise Subway was also located in the McColls store.

Mr Williams added: “We would of course consider any appropriate options if there are any significant changes in the area in the future.

“However, due to the length of time the branch has been closed, we would need to satisfy ourselves that any new opportunity would be sustainable for both Post Office Ltd and the operator.

“We regret that we have been unable to restore a service locally and have provided details at of possible alternative branches in the area, which we hope our customers will continue to use.”

The alternative branches are the Parsonage Barn Lane Post Office and the Poulner Post Office on Butlers Lane.

A Ringwood Post Office spokesperson said: “We know how important a Post Office is to a community and we continue to try to restore service to Ringwood. The vacancy is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the branch.”

One resident commented: “Although the Poulner office is excellent, older people from south of Ringwood have a long way to go for post office services.”

The Daily Echo has approached Ringwood Town Council for a comment.