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A town is set to lose its long-serving Royal Mail postal delivery office – in a move described as “deeply concerning” for residents.
The company insists the closure of the Sandwich site and relocation of operations to Canterbury will have “no impact” on customers.
But residents and councillors, who only discovered the plan when they saw the King Street building up for auction, fear it will lead to inconvenience, such as when collecting parcels if they were not home for the delivery.
A company spokesman told KentOnline the decision to shut the site – which the community has valued for decades – followed a local audit of the service.
They said: “This move will provide improved welfare facilities for staff, more flexibility with resourcing and better vehicle loading arrangements.
“We’ll be ensuring there is no impact on services for local residents and businesses.”
But district councillor for Sandwich, Dan Friend (Con), says the move is worrying and presents potential problems for the “growing” town.
“This is deeply concerning for residents, local businesses, and our hardworking postal staff,” he said.
“The Sandwich office works well, the counter is accessible, and our community relies on the ability to collect parcels and speak to Royal Mail staff locally.
“Removing that service risks delays, reduced convenience, pressure on vulnerable residents, and creates a decline in the dependable service our town has always enjoyed.”
Cllr Friend says he has spoken with Herne Bay and Sandwich MP Sir Roger Gale, who shares his concerns and is raising them with Royal Mail.
He added: “Royal Mail says services ‘will remain unaffected,’ but experience elsewhere shows that centralisation can lead to longer travel times for parcel collection and potential delays, especially in winter or peak periods.
“It is also less flexible for residents who work long hours, or do not drive, and increases pressure on staff being moved away from the communities they serve.
“Sandwich is growing, not shrinking. We deserve a delivery office that reflects our needs and supports our residents and businesses.
“The principle here is simple – if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”
Town mayor Cllr Emmet Csuka is disappointed the company did not notify local people first of its intentions before the building was put up for sale.
“I shall be raising this with my fellow councillors at the earliest opportunity because we need to take stock of how this will impact residents, which is not clear at present,” he said.
The delivery centre is a landmark building in the town centre, located on a substantial plot which backs onto New Street.
It is leased to Royal Mail by a private company but the site is now being offered for sale through Clive Emson and is due to go to auction on December 11, if not sold beforehand.
The property has a guide price in excess of £500,000.
“It may offer future potential for offices, other commercial uses or perhaps conversion to residential, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable,” says auctioneer Kevin Gilbert.
“The rear car park area incorporating a garage may equally be suitable for redevelopment.”
But the details also carry the important footnote that the entire premises is let under the terms of a lease – dated October 27, 2025, for a term of nine months, commencing on the date of completion of the lease – and a peppercorn rent (if demanded).
There is a tenant break on or at any time after four months from and including the commencement date by giving not less than two months’ written notice.
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