Michael Wills MP

I have been working with local councillors Jim Grant and Des Moffatt following the closure of Cheney Manor Post Office to make sure that those who cannot easily get to Rodbourne Road Post Office or Rodbourne Cheney Post Office can still get access to the services they need. I conducted a survey for local residents to assess the need for essential services and it received nearly 100 responses. Around half of the respondents said they would find it difficult to get to a nearby post office, mainly for reasons of age or disability.

This demonstrates that there will be a continuing need for post office services in the neighbourhood, mainly to cash pensions or benefits. I have therefore been talking to the Post Office to see if there is a way to keep these services going.  They have told me they are keen to try out new and sustainable ways of providing such services, possibly through a mobile service or a local partner. I have sent them the results of the survey for analysis and I will be talking further with them in the next few weeks to see what progress can be made. Although there is some way still to go, this is an encouraging first step.

Less encouraging has been the response - or lack of one - from Swindon Borough Council. You will recall that I wrote to them three months ago asking them to work with me to keep these services going in the area. Sadly, they haven't found the time to reply. However, I shall keep going trying to keep these services for Cheney Manor, however uninterested the Council might be.

If you are affected by the closure of Cheney Manor Post Office and have not previously responded to my residents’ survey, please download one by clicking the icon below and return it to my office using the address on the form.