‘Bring back our Post Office’ – Leicestershire town’s bid to get service returned

Residents of a Leicestershire village say enough is enough and have organised a petition to get a much-needed Post Office branch back on their high street, after six months without access to essential services.

Barrow-upon-Soar said goodbye to its Post Office branch back in 2016 which was followed up by a new local style Post Office located at The Filling Station in North Street.

However, the Postmaster decided to hand in their resignation back in August – meaning residents needed to drive over to Quorn when they needed post office services.

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Many villages across the county no longer have access to a local bank branch on the high street and reverted to their Post Office to use the services they require without travelling out of the area.

But without a Post Office branch too, those who are unable travel or without access to cars are left stuck.

A change.org petition organised by residents has called upon the company to get a proper branch back in to the village.

One resident wrote: “Bring back our post office! It’s an essential service.

“Driving to another village is inconvenient, bad for the environment and causes congestion.

“It’s also a waste of time. For those who don’t or can’t drive and have to rely on infrequent public transport just to post a parcel is an outrage. I’m spreading the word so we can get everyone in the village to sign.”

Another resident who signed the petition wrote: “I’m signing on behalf of people like myself who do not drive but still need to use a Post Office and find taking buses too challenging or unsafe at the moment, and especially of the elderly and vulnerable who live alone without a support network.

“Please, please let Barrow have a full time fully loaded post office once more.”

The petition has currently gained 187 signatures, with a Post Office spokesman confirming a mobile service will be available to the village while they search for a permanent solution.

However the temporary measure is not seen as enough in the long term.

One resident said: “While this is a welcome short term measure to provide these essential services, two hours a week cannot possibly be sufficient for a village the size of Barrow upon Soar.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Barrow Upon Soar Post Office closed in August 2021 due to the resignation of the Postmaster. We know how important a Post Office is to a community and we are working hard to restore service as soon as possible.

“The vacancy has been advertised on our website and our field team have visited retailers in the area. At this stage we do not have an interested retailer.

“We would welcome interest from local retailers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure. In the interim the nearest branch is Quorn.