The Harold Hill Post Office has been saved from permanent closure, following confirmation that the Farnham Road branch will instead be franchised, securing its future for the local community.

The Post Office announced that the branch will now be operated by a retail partner or a new postmaster, although the identity of the future operator has not yet been revealed. The transition is expected to be completed by autumn 2025, pending government funding.

The decision comes after months of uncertainty, sparked by a November 2024 announcement in which the Post Office said it was reviewing the future of its directly managed branches. Harold Hill was one of 108 branches placed under review as part of a national restructuring effort.

Nigel Railton, Chair of the Post Office, said the shift to a fully franchised model was central to the organisation’s strategy:

“Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office.”

He added that the Post Office would work closely with unions to ensure fair treatment of current staff and that, “where possible,” branches will remain in their existing locations or move nearby.

The decision to keep Harold Hill’s branch open follows a public consultation, which concluded in March, and included meetings with trade unions, local staff, and community stakeholders.

Local MP Julia Lopez, who campaigned to save the branch and launched a petition, welcomed the outcome:

“I am so glad that the Post Office has decided not to close its Harold Hill branch. This decision reflects the strong support from residents and businesses. I will be following discussions on franchising the branch very closely to ensure it continues to serve our community, particularly as the Farnham Road area is developed in the coming years.”

A Post Office spokesperson confirmed that more information on the franchising process will be shared with the community in the weeks ahead.

The news has been met with relief from residents and local businesses who rely on the branch for essential services.