BOURNEMOUTH West MP Jessica Toale has launched a campaign in an attempt to save Westbourne Post Office.

The campaign was launched after the post office was earmarked for closure.

Westbourne Post Office is the only local branch put on the Post Office’s 'at-risk list', as the private company looks to close or sell more than 100 sites nationally.

Recognising that many members of the community rely on this branch, Mrs Toale reached out to speak with people and local businesses.

The Bournemouth West MP was keen to hear from members of the public about how this may affect them.

She started a petition, asking people from the community what Westbourne Post Office means to them.

Mrs Toale will share these responses with the Post Office and government ministers to demonstrate how important it is to keep this iconic branch up and running.

The petition received more than 200 signatures in its first day, with many messages about how people rely on the post office and use it daily.

There are petition signatures submitted by people from all postcodes from BH1 to BH14, showing that it's not just Westbourne residents who feel passionately.

One signatory described it as the “best example of how a Post Office should be run”, with many praising the how friendly and helpful the staff are.

Mrs Toale said: “These services go beyond just posting letters, they are a lifeline for many.

"For elderly residents who rely on it for paying bills or withdrawing cash; for local businesses who use it daily for banking and postage; for local families wanting foreign currency, or to send letters to family and friends abroad.

“I’ve heard from so many people who use the Post Office daily or weekly and would be lost without it and I knew I had to take action to try and save Westbourne Post Office.”

Many comments reflected on how accessible Westbourne Post Office is in comparison to others around the BCP area.

Jessica added that there are no other post offices within walking distance.

She said: “I hope that by sharing the wealth of support for this beloved branch and illustrating the need, Post Office bosses will listen to the concerns, recognise the importance of Westbourne Post Office and to keep the service as it is.”

If you want to sign the petition, the link is below. 

www.jessicatoale.com/save-westbourne-post-office