Fears over loss of two post offices

Rumours circulating in a village that it is shortly to lose two post offices are only half true. Bearsted residents are worried about the potential closure of the business within Payden’s pharmacy on the Ashford Road, and also that within the Newsrack Store at Grove Green.

But a spokesman for the Post Office said: “There are no plans for Grove Green Post Office to close. The long-serving postmaster is looking to retire, but there is an interested retailer who wants to apply for the vacancy.” But with regards to Ashford Road, it said: “The operator for Ashford Road Post Office has recently resigned and their notice period expires in February 2024 – 11 months away.

“We know how important a Post Office is to a community and the vacancy will soon be advertised.”

A spokesman at Newsrack confirmed: “We are in the process of selling the business, but a purchaser is lined up who will continue with the post office. There will be no disruption to the post office service.” Rosemary Harlow, of Mallings Drive, Bearsted, thought the potential loss of even one post office would be a disaster.

She said: “Bearsted is such a huge area now with all the new housing. A post office is essential and the Ashford Road branch is always very busy. Without it, customers would have to go to Grove Green or Willington Street, near impossible for those without cars – we have no bus service any more.” It comes a week after the Sutton Valence postmaster Derek Eagle launched a petition to save his own post office closing. Paydens could not be reached for comment.