Tesco plan to close two village post offices in Witney

Tesco wants to replace Newland Post Office on Cogges Hill Road and one on Fettiplace Road, both in Witney, Oxfordshire, with Tesco Express stores.

But residents claim it would mean the nearest post office would be in Witney town centre.

They presented Tesco representatives with a 2,000-strong petition.

They appear to have no community conscience whatsoever Councillor Frank Smith

Residents and councillors voiced their concerns during a meeting at West Oxfordshire District Council offices in Woodgreen. A council must be consulted before a post office can be closed.

Tesco representatives told the campaigners they need all the space in the stores for retail purposes.

Councillor Frank Smith said: "Tesco has listened but seem unwilling to change their minds about closing post offices.

"This is regrettable for an organisation that relies on the goodwill of the public for its profits.

"They appear to have no community conscience whatsoever."

Councillor Louise Chapman said: "We have received little encouragement from Tesco.

"They appear committed to closing our two post offices in Witney, which will be detrimental to local people particularly the elderly and disabled."

'Too many post offices'

Proposals suggest closing Cogges Hill on 24 April and Fettiplace on 8 May.

Earlier, a spokesman for the supermarket, said: "We will explain why we are bringing Tesco Express stores to Witney and the reason why we are not able to retain the post office within the store.

"It is obvious that there is a great deal of feeling about this (closure)."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Royal Mail Limited plans to close 3,000 post offices nationally.

"The simple reality is that there are too many post offices to sustain the level of business."