Tonbridge residents concerned about 'terrible' plan to close down WHSmith Post Office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-new ... an-6838960

Plans have been submitted by the landlord to build residential flats on the site, leading to the closure of both the Post Office and the WHSmith store


There are certain shops and services you'd expect to find whenever you walk down a main High Street. Whether it's a butcher's, a hairdresser or a book shop, these shops are at the heartbeat of communities.

Another vital service you'd expect to see would be a post office, but the one currently housed in WHSmith in Tonbridge High Street won't be there for much longer. Plans have been submitted by the landlord to build residential flats on the site, leading to the closure of both the post office and the WHSmith store.

A spokesperson from Post Office confirmed to KentLive that the site will close at the end of July following an application submitted by the landlord. However, they have since confirmed their intention to remain in the town with the potential of moving into a space occupied by another retailer already being raised as a possibility.

With Tonbridge locals making their feelings known on the matter via community Facebook groups, KentLive decided to head down to the town to speak to residents about the situation. The first person we came across was Bob Bright, who was taking a stroll through the castle grounds.


He said: "I think losing the ost office could be really bad for Tonbridge because it is used for many things like collecting pensions, driving licenses and applying for passports. I think this would be a terrible loss for many people.

"I think the best thing for Tonbridge would be to find somewhere else in the town to put the post office. To not have one at all would just be terrible.

"Many people are of course driven by money. With the suggestion of flats coming in to replace the post office, that definitely seems to be the case here."

After following the path down from the castle grounds, I came to River Walk, where I met Brian Fellows, 73. He said: "I just use my little local post office really, I can't remember the last time I used the one in the High Street. But for sure, it's terrible that it's closing down.


"I think that the wise thing to do now would be to move the post office to somewhere else in the town. There's just too much redevelopment going on in the town.

"Things are closing down, there's no big stores and yet they're building flats everywhere. Council offices have shut down too because of these flats. I've lived in Tonbridge for a while and there's been loads of change going on over the years."

After venturing into the heart of the High Street, locals were equally as concerned over the Post Office potentially leaving the town. Sue Kerr, 76, said: "I think it's dreadful if we do end up losing the Post Office in Tonbridge. I use it a lot and now I'm wondering where the nearest one will be.

"It's so important that we keep it in the High Street, even if that means it has to move away from WHSmith. I use it a lot so I was very shocked when I heard the news.

"It's quite clear we need the Post Office. I've lived here for 18 years and in that time I've seen lots of change in the High Street. During COVID I think that has to be expected, but there's people much older than me who really do need that service."

Peter Larkin, 87, was overlooking the river and told KentLive he couldn't believe the plans to get rid of the Post Office. He said: "Everything in the High Street now seems to be hairdressers and cafes. There's nowhere you can just go in and get yourself some groceries anymore. You have to go to the industrial estate!

"The Post Office used to be in a great place where the pub is now. My dad was a Postman for 40 years and if he saw what it was like now with this situation, he wouldn't tolerate it.


"I totally disagree with the flats, there's enough flats around here now. They're building more by the castle. Why? This is all we've got now.

"It really wouldn't surprise me if they started building on the sports ground too. I disagree entirely with building the flats and if they get rid of the Post office it'll be the nail in the coffin because the town is changing for the worst."