29 Jun 2026
Retailers and residents alike have condemned the decision by supermarket giant Morrisons to close The Quadrant’s much-used Post Office services.
The loss-making Morrisons Daily store, which includes the Post Office, is set to permanently close on August 15.
Jim Watson, chairman of Marshalswick North Residents’ Association (MNRA), said members of the community were angered by the expected loss of the service.
“The Post Office at the Quadrant has been an important part of our community for many years. Having previously been a separate facility, the Post Office closed this branch and a replacement counter was set up at the rear of Martins newsagents. Ownership of this shop changed and became McColls and more recently, Morrisons Daily.
“During this time the two banks located in The Quadrant also closed. We were however reassured that we would be able to carry out our banking at the Post Office, although you always had to pick your times to visit carefully.
“At busy times, the queue to be served at their dedicated counter at the rear of the shop could be long and slow. Using the Post Office became a lot more difficult when Morrisons took over the franchise. In their wisdom, they closed the rear counter and Post Office works were combined with general shop purchases at the front counter.
“This did not work. Queues were often out of the front door and people carrying out sensitive transactions were unhappy with the open aspect of the desk.
“In early 2025, one of the longstanding members of MNRA, Diane Merryfield, took matters into her own hands and arranged a petition signed by more than 150 residents and traders seeking the return of the rear counter to provide Post Office and banking services. Morrisons agreed to review the situation with the end result that the Post Office counter was reinstated and is currently open mornings, five days a week.
“All this demonstrates the importance of the Marshalswick Post Office to our community, our traders and the general vibrancy of The Quadrant shopping area.
“MNRA were contacted by many members concerned that with the anticipated closure of the Morrisons Daily, we would also lose our Post Office. We all accept that any decision to close the Morrisons Daily store will be made by Morrisons based upon sound commercial analysis.
“However, MNRA and the community as a whole do not wish the Post Office to be lost at the same time.
“It was also apparent that the store and Post Office staff were kept in the dark over the fate of the store and their jobs.
“To date, we have written to our elected representatives at all levels. The general response has been that it is a commercial decision. None to date have picked up the challenge of approaching the Post Office to review options for the facility moving forward.”
In a statement from Morrisons received by MNRA, the company said: “We have carefully considered all comments and suggestions received during the consultation period.
“Unfortunately, there are no viable options to achieve even a break even position and the store will close on 15 August 2026.
“Prior to closure, notices will be displayed in the store to inform customers of the closure date, and to advise them of their nearest Post Office branch.
“Please be assured that we continue to support all those impacted at the store. This includes exploring alternative roles at a nearby Morrisons Daily or Morrisons supermarket.
“I’m sorry to be confirming this disappointing news. Please let me know if you have any further questions.”
MNRA said this disappointing response gives no consideration to maintaining Post Office services within The Quadrant, and they will continue to fight for these to be retained.
The news has also been met with dismay by local retailers.
Jez Levy from EYES on St Albans said: “Yet again, more erosion of services to the public in whichever guise. Bricks and mortar stores of all shapes and sizes are really feeling the hits the Government has put on us. This closure is a direct result of ‘Sir Keir’s’ Circus’ let’s see if ‘Andy’s army’ will reverse damaging policies.
“The Post Office closure is always going to impact a local community like Marshalswick that has come to rely on the services it offers however, will it stop people buying online when free returns via the local Post Office is far less convenient? THAT I doubt very much.”
Nadya Giffen, owner of Nadya Giffen Therapies, said: “The closure of the Post Office at The Quadrant is a huge blow. A lot of people locally use the Post Office, including the local businesses.
“With it closing, people will have to drive which means more traffic on already congested roads and they will then of course, have to pay high parking charges!
“This removes a much needed service which is also used by a lot of elderly people and those who don’t drive.”
