Politicians have launched a campaign to prevent Highbury Corner’s post office from merging with that of Upper Street, arguing that both branches are busy enough as it is.
The Post Office plans to demolish its branch in Highbury Corner, leaving the site as an open plaza that will eventually be used to free up traffic and marshal football fans on match days.
Under the new proposal, the Upper Street branch will be moved a few doors down from its current site and will offer seven counters, one more than now.
John Gilbert, a Lib Dem councillor for Highbury East, told Islington Now: “Both branches are very heavily used at the moment. Merging them is likely to make matters worse, not better.
“We suggested a new site on Highbury Corner but they declined, probably so they could save money.”
Gilbert voiced concerns that disabled residents might struggle to get to Upper Street, a worry echoed by Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South.
“It is unacceptable that elderly and disabled people in the Highbury area should have to travel almost the entire length of Upper Street, a very busy road, to reach the new post office,” she said.
Roger Gale, general manager of the Post Office’s Crown network, said merging the branches was the best way to maintain “top quality” services in the area.
