A piece of local history is coming to an end, and it's a bittersweet moment for the community. Oxford's beloved Co-op store, a fixture for 134 years, is closing its doors forever tomorrow.
The Co-op supermarket on London Road in Headington will cease operations on Saturday, January 3rd, marking the end of an era. Today, January 2nd, is its last day of trading, and the building is set for demolition, including the Headington Post Office within it, which closed on December 31st.
But here's where it gets controversial: a planning application to replace the site with laboratories was approved back in October 2025. The decision is not yet final, as certain conditions and agreements need to be met. According to Headington News, the Co-op has occupied this location since 1892, moving to its current site in 1979.
Anneliese Dodds, the Labour MP for Oxford East, has been vocal about the Post Office closure. She stated, "I have fought hard to keep this post office open for many years, and we won't give up now." Despite the confirmed closure, Dodds revealed that Post Office has received interest in opening a new branch nearby, offering a glimmer of hope.
Over 1,200 residents signed a petition to keep the post office open, highlighting its importance to the community. However, the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful.
Labour city councillor Mike Rowley, also the deputy lord mayor of Oxford, shared the sentiments of the residents: "People from Headington, Barton, Sandhills, and beyond expressed how valuable the Post Office services are to them. In their own words, it's essential, it brings the community together, and we simply can't do without it."
Chewe Munkonge, Labour city councillor for the Quarry and Risinghurst ward, added, "This post office is more than just a place for sending letters or collecting parcels. It's a hub, especially for older residents and those who find it challenging to travel far."
And this is the part most people miss: Headington will be without a post office for the first time since 1915. The nearest branches are now in Risinghurst, Wood Farm, or St Clement's in Oxford.
So, what do you think? Is this a necessary change, or a loss of community spirit? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the impact of such closures on our local areas.
