Post Office Closure Update
20th of April, 2024
The Council contacted a local branch to express interest in the outreach program which is offered to other villages in the Ribble Valley. Post Office Counters instructed the branch that they would not sanction the request.
Council wrote to MP Nigel Evans who contact Post Office Counters Ltd. The reply was as follows
“Like most businesses, Post Office is facing a particularly challenging period. The impact of rising costs, inflation and restrictions on our funding from Government mean that while we will look to re-open branches when they close, we cannot commit to doing so in every instance. The Post Office has undertaken a comprehensive review of the network to ensure that it continues to meet evolving customer needs in a very challenging economic climate.  This review examined the network at a very detailed, local level, analysing customer demand and accessibility of Post Office products and services.  Consequently, it has informed our plans for the Network as we work to ensure that, our funding and resources are allocated to deliver maximum benefit for all customers. We are committed to maintaining our access criteria so that 99% of the UK’s population are within 3 miles of a Post Office and 90% are within 1 mile. With Clitheroe being just 1.2 miles we will continue to meet this obligation. Given our current financial situation, we need to ensure our limited funds is used in areas where we don't meet this criteria. At this time, therefore, we are not looking to replace Waddington Village. I appreciate that this will be disappointing news for your constituents in Waddington"