This week, Aphra Brandreth MP secured a debate in Parliament to champion the contribution of post offices to our local communities.
Post offices are far more than places to send parcels or post letters. They are a critical part of the national infrastructure and a lifeline for rural areas like Chester South and Eddisbury. They provide access to cash, support local businesses, and act as community hubs. For many residents, particularly older people, those without transport, or those who are digitally excluded, the local post office is not a convenience but a necessity.
Across the constituency, there are 21 post office branches doing an incredible job, but the reality is the network is under pressure. Rising costs, fewer people using services, and the loss of banks have all added strain.
The impact is clear. In Kelsall, the post office closed last year after the Co-op withdrew from operating the branch. Aphra launched a petition, signed by hundreds of residents, to show just how much the service matters. The Post Office is still looking for a new operator, and Aphra continues to push to ensure Kelsall gets its post office back.
In Audlem, the village has been without a post office for two years, leaving residents reliant on services miles away. And in Malpas, when the last bank branch closed in 2024, the post office stepped in to provide cash services, a vital lifeline for local businesses and residents.
Then there’s Wybunbury, where the post office is one of just two businesses in the village. It’s a true community hub, and nearly 100 residents nominated it for Aphra’s recent Small Business Awards. That tells you everything about how valued these services are.
During the debate, Aphra called on the Government to reaffirm the last Conservative Government’s commitment to maintaining at least 11,500 post office branches nationwide, particularly in rural areas, and to introduce practical measures such as business rate relief. While the Minister acknowledged how important post offices are, the response amounted to warm words rather than concrete action. Disappointingly, no guarantee was offered. The Government is currently consulting on the Post Office’s future, with one option being to remove the 11,500-branch commitment.
Aphra will keep speaking out and championing local post offices. They are the backbone of villages, and we need to secure their future.
