Notting Hill's A-list battle for post office

Notting Hill's post office is to be closed - to the dismay of residents who are campaigning to stop the plans.

Pop star Damon Albarn, comedian Ruby Wax, broadcaster Angela Rippon and Bridget Jones's Diary author Helen Fielding are among those who have voiced concern.

They have signed an 8,000-name petition, with playwright Harold Pinter, Lady Antonia Fraser and former MP Tony Benn, to save the branch in Westbourne Grove.

Mr Benn said he would help in any way he could. "I have lived here for 52 years. The Westbourne Grove post office serves this community. If old people have to go farther to cash their postal orders, it's a nuisance. All the post office workers will lose their jobs as well."

The post office is one of 310 branches in London which have closed or been earmarked for closure under plans announced by Royal Mail two years ago.

Angela Rippon, who has lived in the area for 16 years, said residents had suf fered months of chaotic delivery services.

"Now we hear the post office is going to close - it doesn't make any sense," she said. "In any other business, if you had customers spilling out of the door you would think about expanding it.

"The problem is the property price has rocketed and the Post Office probably received an offer on the building it can't refuse. Frankly, there are enough designer boutiques and expensive restaurants in our area already. We won't allow something that is the hub of our community to disappear forever."

Residents have until 18 August to oppose the move, after which the Post Office will make a final decision. If approved, the branch will close in October. Shop owner Jessica Blake, 27, who has been collecting signatures for a petition, said: "It is amazing to get such support."

Post Office Ltd, part of Royal Mail, said the closure of branches in London was necessary to secure the financial viability of the company.