Thatcham Post Office Given Reprieve as Closure Delayed Until October

Many of you will be curious to know what is happening with the Post Office in Thatcham following the recent announcement that it was due to close this summer.

Over the past few weeks, I've been working hard behind the scenes to keep a central Post Office in Thatcham, raising the issue directly with both Morrisons and Post Office Ltd, alongside local campaigners and businesses. Throughout that time, I've been in regular discussions with the Post Office, pressing for a solution that keeps services in the town centre and protects this vital community asset. It's encouraging to see that persistence paying off, with real progress now being made towards securing the town-centre branch that so many people in Thatcham have fought to keep.

When Morrisons first announced its closure plans, the Post Office branch was expected to shut in July. Following extensive engagement, feedback from residents, and sustained pressure from campaigners, businesses, and the local community, I am pleased to share that the branch will now remain open until 4 October.

This is a significant step forward. It means residents and local businesses will continue to have access to full postal and banking services, while giving the Post Office additional time to secure a long-term solution and avoid a gap in service in the heart of Thatcham.

In the meantime, the Post Office will be working through applications to take over the Thatcham town centre branch. Applications are now open, and interested parties can apply here before 10 July.

The Post Office will then assess the bids, carry out suitability checks, and move forward with appointing a new operator.

Having spoken to several business owners interested in the opportunity, I am hopeful that a strong long-term solution can be found very soon.

I will continue to stay closely involved in this process and will keep residents updated as soon as further information becomes available.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make the case for retaining a town-centre Post Office, including those who completed my survey. The strength of local feeling has been impossible to ignore, and your feedback and comments about how you use this Post Office have played an important part in securing this extension and keeping the pressure on for a permanent solution.