Franchise takes over Windsor Post Office with new postmaster

The Windsor Post Office looks set to  remain  at its current location until at least spring next year following the appointment of a new postmaster.

On Wednesday, Post Office Limited confirmed the Peascod Street branch will continue in its current premises under the independent franchise retail partner, Universal Office Equipment Ltd (UOE).

No changes will be made to the operating hours or the wide range of services available at the existing Post Office until spring 2026. The branch will open earlier on Tuesday mornings.

These changes are part of commitments by Post Office Limited to deliver a ‘new deal for postmasters’ and move from directly managed Post Office branches to a fully franchised network by autumn 2025.

The company’s announcement in April this year placed branches at potential risk of closure, and the future of the Windsor branch was uncertain.

Windsor MP Jack Rankin gathered over 1,850 signatures in a petition to keep the branch open, which he formally presented to Parliament last month.

Over 99 per cent of the Post Office network is already operated via franchise and run by retail partners.

On Wednesday, the Post Office provided details on its proposed franchise plans for the first tranche of the last remaining 108 directly managed branches, including Windsor.

While long-term arrangements are finalised, three operators will manage 56 branches from the same premises where they are currently located.

UOE operates nine Post Office branches, a Banking Hub, and stationery stores across London, Hertfordshire and Surrey, led by Elliot Jacobs, who has a decade of experience as a postmaster.

Staff consultations have begun at the Peascod Street branch, lasting up to three months, with changes expected at the Windsor Post Office by September 2025.

A review of the branch’s long-term location will take place during the current financial year, so any proposed move is 'unlikely' before spring 2026 and would be subject to a formal public consultation. 

In an open letter to customers, Post Office Limited transformation delivery director Martin Edwards said: “We are confident this will create a long-term, sustainable future for post offices in communities across the UK, including Windsor branch.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘new deal for postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office.

“Our proposed franchise plans mean branches will continue to operate from the same premises while the long-term permanent proposal is confirmed, with customers being able to continue accessing the same products and services with the same opening hours.”

An online consultation hub will run until September 30, and in-branch posters will inform customers and provide a further update in the branch to confirm the date of this change.

Mr Rankin said: “This is good news in the short term, but the medium-term fight goes on to ensure we keep our branch on Peascod Street.

“Thank you to everyone who signed my petition to Save Windsor Post Office – I’ll keep pushing to make the case of the benefits this location brings to our town centre.”