Co-op is among seven firms interested in taking over Headington Post Office

Some residents had raised concerns that the Headington Post Office, on London Road, would close if the current post master left.

But the Post Office Group said it was “committed” to keeping a service in Headington, while the Mid-Counties Co-operative said it had expressed an interest in taking on the Post Office should the opportunity arise.

A Mid-Counties Co-operative spokeswoman said: “We have shown interest in taking over the Post Office duties in our London Road store, but we can’t confirm any further details.”

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Customers at the Headington Post Office in London Road raised concerns to Ruth Wilkinson, the Oxford city councillor for Headington, after rumours circulated that the Post Office would close.

She said: “It is very popular, often there are four or five people queuing out the door.

“Visiting a Post Office is vital for people in Headington who have no access to banking facilities or don’t use a computer.

“The Post Office isn’t just about stamps and postal deliveries.”

Old Headington resident and regular Post Office user Sarah King, 78, said: “I’ve been very concerned. Some older people don’t have their own form of transport so the Post Office is convenient for them.”

Post Office spokeswoman Sheila Tapster said: “The postmaster has expressed an interest to leave under our branch modernisation programme, if we can find a suitable replacement premises and postmaster.

“The vacancy was advertised last year. There were seven interested applicants and we have whittled down the applicants.

“We will then put forward one proposal for re-location for a six week public consultation.”

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