Following the Midcounties Co-operative’s announcement that the Headington Post Office at 152 London Road is at risk of closure in January 2026, a petition to protect essential postal services in Headington has gathered over 1,000 signatures.

Anneliese Dodds, the Labour MP for Oxford East, contacted the Post Office Ltd the very same day as the announcement to invite them to meet with her. She said: “It’s really encouraging to hear the Post Office’s commitment to keeping post office services in Headington. I’ve asked for a meeting so that we can work together to make this happen. Labour councillors, campaigners, and I have worked hard to keep this post office open for many years – and we won’t stop now.”

Trish Elphinstone first campaigned to keep a post office in Headington back in 2021, with her petition reaching over 1,000 signatures at the time. A new petition has been set up to reflect the amount of community support for a post office to remain here, and it has been gathering support at top speed.

Over the weekend, Labour councillors Chewe Munkonge, Mike Rowley, and Glynis Phillips were joined by Trish Elphinstone outside the Co-op to gather signatures and raise awareness about the renewed campaign.

Mike Rowley said: “Residents from Headington, Barton, Sandhills, and all around stopped to tell us how much they valued having post office services here on our high street. In their own words, a local post office service is essential, holds our community together, and we can’t do without it.”  

Chewe Munkonge added: “This vital service is more than just a place to send letters or collect parcels. It is a hub for many residents, especially older people and those who can’t easily travel further afield. I urge all residents to sign our petition and take part in the planning consultation on the Oxford City Council website. Your voices matter.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

Residents can sign the petition at www.change.org/SaveHeadingtonPostOffice

Residents can comment on the planning application at the Co-op, 152 London Road, Headington (ref 25/00799/FUL) at https://public.oxford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=STSJP9MFKV000&activeTab=summary

Local businesses can apply to run a post office in Headington by visiting https://runapostoffice.co.uk/branch/headington-post-office-oxford-ox3-9ed

Anneliese Dodds MP’s letter to the Post Office Ltd is available here

Anneliese Dodds MP’s video regarding the Post Office is available at www.facebook.com/reel/1557148835264474

Post Office Ltd’s response to Anneliese Dodds MP is available here

Trish Elphinstone’s 2021 petition is available at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-our-post-office-and-co-op-shop-in-headington