North Finchley Post Office proposal opposed at public meeting

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A union officer said changes to a post office will provide "a worse public service."

Andy Furey, a Communication Workers Union national officer, addressed residents at a public meeting on February 19 about the future of North Finchley post office, after proposals suggested it be moved to a new location.

Mr Furey spoke out about his concerns over its moving, as it would be run as part of a franchise within a shop, which is smaller than its current location, and about his concerns over what the proposals could actually mean for the quality of the service offered.


He said: "There has been a complete lack of transparency on the part of the Post Office regarding these proposals which will provide a worse postal service for local residents and businesses."

He believes there is no long-term guarantee of the service provision if the proposed retail partner, OM SAI Enterprises, comes into financial difficult in the future, and said there would be fewer serving positions.

Woodhouse Labour councillors Kath McGuirk, Alan Schneiderman and Anne Hutton, were also present at the meeting, and voiced their opposition to the plans and the consultation, which they feel should have shown floor plans so people could understand how the proposals would be realised.

MP for Finchley and Golders Green Mike Freer, and a Post Office representative were invited to attend but declined.

A Post Office spokesperson said: "We’re taking action to ensure that Post Office services continue to be conveniently available to customers into the future. The vast majority of Post Offices, both large and small, are operated on a franchise or agency basis – it is a successful model and ensures that there are convenient Post Office services for our customers where they live and work.

"In fact, we’re increasing the availability of Post Office services – in London and other urban areas we’re opening more branches alongside local businesses, many of which are open significantly longer, making it easier than ever for customers to use the Post Office.


"In North Finchley, the proposal would mean a sustainable branch for the future providing all the services that it currently does, with the exception of a specialist Home Office service for biometric enrolment."

The meeting was held at the Greek Cypriot centre in North Finchley.

The consultation for the proposal ended on February 21 and feedback is currently being collated and considered.