A Reading neighbourhood is set to receive a new post office after two years of being left without one.

The Post Office shut the branch on Whitley Street in June 2019, and it was never reopened.

This left residents of Katesgrove without a post office within a 20-minute walk, the nearest being a branch on Northumberland Avenue.

However, announced on Wednesday, February 2, a new branch is opening on Christchurch Road in March 2022.

After a campaign by Katesgrove Reading Labour councillors, the service will allow residents the opportunity to use post office services within a 10-minute walk.

Reading Chronicle:
Above: Katesgrove councillors, Sophia James, Liam Challenger and Rose Williams 

 

Labour councillor for Katesgrove ward, Cllr Liam Challenger, said: “This offers local residents of Katesgrove and South Reading a service that is on the doorstep and it means that you can take those vital things and get it done locally without going into town.

“It also gives local traders a good location and makes it easier to conduct business.

“It was a blow to the area [losing the post office in 2019], we have a great parade of shops on our mini high street, and it is important that a post office plays a key part in it.

"We worked with the Post Office and local businesses to try and find a new home, also looking at a temporary solution such as a mobile service for the area.

"We also kept the pressure up on the Post Office to make sure it did not come off the cards.

“They offer a range of services, so it's vital areas have them.”