Town set to lose 'crucial' central post office

A Surrey town is set to lose its central post office, it has been confirmed.

Horley's post office is shutting after it was announced that Morrison's supermarket was closing its branch in Consort Way - with a knock-on effect on the post office that operates inside.

The post office confirmed it would close on 3 October but was still investigating all options to reinstate the community service.

It is asking for retailers to incorporate a branch into their existing or proposed business, though the deadline expires on Friday.

A Post Office spokesperson said they had already received expressions of interest "from a number of retailers".

"We want to open a replacement branch as soon as possible," they added.

If no alternatives are found, the nearest option would be in Meath Green Lane, 20 minutes away in the north of the town, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Dorking and Horley MP Chris Coghlan said he, Horley Town Council and the Post Office were working together to limit the closure's disruption.

He added he wanted to ensure Horley residents still had a "central, accessible location for this crucial service".

If a successful partner is found, the Post Office said contracts would be awarded directly as it must act with "extreme and unavoidable urgency to protect essential services relied upon by communities".

The current central branch was estimated to bring in between £46,800 and £62,400 a year in fees.

Horley Town Council said it recognised the importance of Post Office services to residents, "particularly given the limited banking facilities available in the town centre".

"We share concerns about the impact this closure could have on local residents and the wider community who rely on these services," they added.

The local authority added it was continuing to advocate for a solution.

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