Cllrs Alex Doyle (left) and Adam Monk outside the Post Office in Church View
By Lucy Frost
Councillors have launched a petition seeking guarantees over the future of Filton Post Office amid concerns that the redevelopment of the Church View flats could put local services at risk.
Ward members Adam Monk and Alex Doyle are campaigning for assurances that the Post Office and neighbouring Gale’s Farm Meats butcher’s shop will remain open for as long as possible.
The petition calls on South Gloucestershire Council, Bromford Housing Association (BHA) and Post Office Ltd to halt any plans to close the Post Office until a start date for the development is formalised and ensure that the Post Office and butchers are not closed until alternative locations have been secured in the local area.
BHA initially told the businesses that they would have until December 2026 to vacate their premises. However, Cllrs Monk and Doyle said they had received confirmation that Bromford “are willing to extend the current tenancy through to the middle of next year”.
Launched on September 28, the petition has had 344 signatures from residents at the time of print. The councillors said: “The Post Office provides a crucial lifeline for those who are not online for services such as retail banking.
“In addition, the Post Office also gives access to key government services, such as passports, pensions and benefits to name a few. It’s an important community asset.
“Local residents and the business had asked both Adam and I how they could show the local desire to maintain the Post Office/businesses.”
BHA announced the plans to regenerate the Church View site in November 2024 after in- vestigations identified what was described as significant issues relating to mould, structural concerns and energy efficiency.
Since then, the majority of residents have been rehoused.
Filton Post Office and Gale’s Farm Meats are the only businesses still operating out of The Views. Both previously told Filtonvoice that trade had been greatly affected as the flats above were vacated.
The future of the businesses has remained uncertain since the regeneration plans were announced, with traders previously raising concerns about relocation options and the long-term viability of remaining in the area.
The petition was launched after residents raised concerns with the councillors about access to essential services, including pension payments.
Campaigners argue that alternative Post Offices are out of walking distance for many Filton residents and require a car or bus journey. The petition remains open until 1 December and can be accessed via the link: https://survey.labour.org.uk