Rookley’s much-valued village Post Office is set to close, triggering a campaign to protect or replace the service.
The ‘unplanned’ closure of the Highwood Farm Shop branch, prompted by the retirement of the long-serving postmaster, marks the end of an era after 35 years of service.
Post Office has confirmed there are no current plans to replace the branch located on Main Road, following an internal review of customer demand and accessibility. This has led to strong community pushback and calls for the decision to be reversed.
Reform councillor Caroline Gladwin, who represents the Central Rural Ward, is leading efforts to maintain Post Office services in the village. She has launched a petition, available to sign at The Griffin pub in Godshill, and is urging residents to send objections directly to the Post Office.
Rookley Parish Council has joined forces with councillors from Godshill and Chillerton & Gatcombe to voice concern. At a recent meeting, it was acknowledged that keeping the branch open would involve resolving challenges such as staffing, building upgrades, and security improvements.
Mrs Sally Woods, Parish Clerk, has confirmed that Richard Quigley MP is being kept informed.
Discussions around a mobile Post Office have so far been unproductive, with Post Office stating there is no mobile service operating on the Isle of Wight and Community Action’s Chief Executive unconvinced of the need for one.
Councillor Gladwin, Central Rural Ward, has said:
“I am doing everything I can to get this decision reversed.
“I’m calling on everyone to make their voices heard, sign the petition, and email their objections to the Post Office. This service is vital to so many, especially our older residents.”
Long-time customer Christine Broom has spoken of the situation, having used the Post Office for 6 decades.
“The closure of Rookley Post Office will be a great loss to residents and other users. I have been a customer for 60 years and remember Edward, Essex and Peter Blincoe and their successors over the years.
“Jan and Sandra have been exemplary in their service and care to their customers. I do hope that there will be some form of replacement”.
Residents are encouraged to send objections to mailto:[email protected]. Councillor Gladwin can be contacted on [email protected].
Sadly so many Post Offices have closed down over the
last few years.