There’s some good news for online shoppers in Hammersmith who have struggled to find a handy post office since WHSmith closed in the Livat shopping centre (former Kings Mall).
The area’s first new ‘lighter format’ post office is set to open at the foot of Hammersmith Bridge on 17 January. It’s part of a trial to see if it meets the needs of local customers. You can share your views on the concept (see consultation details below).
The new mini branch, opening on 17 January, is at 94 Hammersmith Bridge Road, W6 9BD.
Strong local demand
The lack of post office counters in W6 was keenly felt in the run up to Christmas, with long queues snaking out of the doors of local branches at 146 Shepherds Road in Brook Green, and at 168 King Street, opposite the Civic Campus development.
The new ‘drop and collect’ branch will open in the Sri Sai convenience store at 94 Hammersmith Bridge Road, at the corner with Rutland Grove, diagonally opposite the Old City Arms at the end of Hammersmith Bridge.
The lighter format post office will be open throughout the convenience store hours of 7.30am-10pm on Monday-Friday, 8am-10pm on Saturday and 8am-9.30pm on Sunday.
How it works
The new mini post office will only handle parcel drops and collections, as well as bill payments.
Customers can send parcels without the need to queue, scan, weigh or label, or to return unwanted items ordered online.
The new mini branch reflects “the changing competitive landscape in the high street”, says Natalie Liff of Post Office Ltd, and is part of a new drive to partner with retailers. It is being run in collaboration with Payzone.
Have your say
The trial will be monitored, and feedback gauged before the arrangement is made permanent.
The consultation runs until 3 February.
Email your thoughts to comments@postoffice.co.uk, visit www.postofficeviews.co.uk, call 03452 660 115 or write a letter and send it to: FREEPOST Your Comments (no stamp needed).
More corner shops are already being recruited to offer the ‘lighter format’ service, each equipped with a small, open-plan serving point.
Want to read more news stories like this? Subscribe to our weekly e-news bulletin.
