Fears for future of Quadrant Post Office

27 Jan 2025

Changes at a much-loved community Post Office have met with fierce opposition from the local community.
The Post Office counter at the rear of Morrisons Daily in The Quadrant, Marshalswick, has now closed, with all services now offered from the front of the shop.
Popular postmaster Akhlaq Ahmmed has revealed his last day working there will be February 21, with responsibility for running the operation then handed over to Morrisons staff.
But many users are concerned that the same level of expertise will not be maintained, even though the Post Office has confirmed it’s business as usual for products and services.
Jez Levy of EYES on St Albans uses the Post Office daily to send glasses for external repairs: “This is simply a travesty, this particular office serves a very large catchment including local small and independent business.
“This office has been a ‘life saver’ for so many in our community, and changes to this service WILL be inconvenient at best for some and disastrous for many, most especially our elderly community. It is NOT a good decision from both Morrisons and the Post Office alike!”
Sabra Swinson of The French Home Co said: “As a local online retailer, the downgrading of the main Marshalswick Post Office is going to have a very adverse effect on our business. We sell around the world and despatch parcels daily, and many Post Office counters will not take larger parcels due to lack of space.
“If St Peter’s Street closes too what are we supposed to do? Obviously, we can use other couriers but many of our customers and third-party sales platforms specify Royal Mail as their preferred service. It really is a disaster for us and for everyone in Marshalswick.”
Paul Murray from Phoenix Barber Co added: “It’s the only part of the unit that has any value – perhaps it could be relocated?”