Hampton Delivery Office will close, despite opposition from Cllr Gareth Robert and residents.

The Royal Mail delivery office will relocate to Feltham Hill in Ashford, meaning residents will have to travel four miles to pick up post.

The Leader of Richmond Council has slammed the decision, saying he finds it ‘wholly unacceptable’ and will continue to fight the decision.

Earlier this year, Cllr Gareth Roberts met with Royal Mail to discuss their plans and consider finding an alternative local sire.

Last week, Cllr Roberts outlined the planning constraints should they be minded to dispose of the site. Despite these meetings, Royal Mail has decided to move to Ashford and close the Hampton site.

Responding to this announcement, Cllr Roberts, said: “Moving the sorting office to Ashford is an outrageous decision. Anyone who has tried getting from Hampton to Ashford via public transport knows it takes nearly an hour and more than one train or bus. It isn’t fair and simply beggars belief that a more suitable, local alternative couldn’t be found.

“We should also not lose sight of the massive impact this will have on the staff employed at the delivery office, many of whom live in the Hampton area, who will now be forced to travel each day to and from Ashford simply to reach their place of work.

“I fear Royal Mail have given up on this site far too early particularly given that they have completely failed to engage in any meaningful consultation with the Hampton community. Simply acknowledging the existence of a petition is not good enough.’

“I encourage the Royal Mail, even at this late stage to reconsider this bad decision. I would also encourage residents to continue signing the petition which can be found at change.org to show the Royal Mail that Hampton isn’t taking this laying down.

“This fight isn’t over yet. I very much hope that the Royal Mail will yet see reason, but I accept that is a long shot.”

Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham said:“I am very disappointed that Royal Mail chose not to listen to the strong expressions of concern from the community and its representatives. 

Hampton residents who do not have cars or comfortable relationships with neighbours to accept their parcels will struggle with the new system. There is also a question mark over the future of the site and Royal Mail has said nothing about that yet.”

The petition has over 3,000 signatures. To sign the petition, go to: https://www.change.org/p/royal-mail-prevent-the-closure-of-royal-mail-s-hampton-delivery-office