BASINGSTOKE's MP has said it is 'simply unacceptable' that the creation of a new Post Office in the town centre has been delayed, yet again.
Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke, has written to the Post Office CEO demanding a clear explanation and an iron clad-commitment on the reopening date and urgent action after the long-awaited reopening of the Basingstoke town centre branch was delayed for a third time.
The Post Office has failed to deliver on its promise of a new branch once again, failing to meet promised deadlines on April 30, July 9 and now August 11, to replace the branch that was formerly in W H Smith, leaving residents without full town centre postal services for more than eight months.
Earlier this week, the Gazette exclusively reported that the opening date for a new branch has been pushed to October 1.
Luke Murphy MP called the situation "unacceptable".
He said: “It’s simply unacceptable that Basingstoke has now gone more than eight months without a functioning town centre Post Office.
"Repeatedly promised opening dates have been missed, and people are rightly frustrated.
"I have written again to the Post Office CEO calling for a proper explanation of the issues which continue to plague the reopening of this important branch and requesting a cast-iron guarantee this branch will open by October 1, 2025.”
In his letter to Post Office CEO Neil Brocklehurst, Luke Murphy outlines the impact on local residents, particularly those who are older, disabled, or without access to a car, who rely on postal services for pensions, parcels, and safe cash access.
He expressed his "deep disappointment" and described the delays as a “serious dereliction of public service,” warning that the continued absence of a town centre branch is damaging Basingstoke’s high street recovery.
With the Post Office now stating that the branch is expected to open “around October 1” due to “unforeseen circumstances”, Luke Murphy has insisted on clarity for residents who rely on the town centre service.
His letter continues: "It is now abundantly clear that these promises have not been kept. Frankly, you can understand why many people in Basingstoke have lost faith in Post Office’s ability to deliver on its word.
"At a time when local people are being asked to support the revival of our town centre and Top of Town and place trust in public institutions, this episode has been deeply damaging. I urge you to treat this as a top priority, and I stand ready to meet with you or your leadership team to ensure the people of Basingstoke are no longer let down."
Previously, a spokesperson for the Post Office said: "We want to sincerely apologise to local residents and businesses that have been eagerly awaiting the re-opening of Basingstoke Post Office.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to confirm that the re-opening of the branch has been delayed, and we now anticipate that it will re-open around October 1."