Farnham's TG Jones to close as new Post Office site sought, says MP Greg Stafford

Farnham's TG Jones store is to close as part of a national restructuring programme, according to the town's MP, with efforts now under way to find a replacement location for its Post Office.

Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford said the retailer had informed him and the Post Office that its store on The Borough would close, with the closure anticipated in January 2027.

The exact date has yet to be confirmed, but the Post Office counter operating within the store is expected to close at the same time.

The announcement follows months of uncertainty over the future of the town-centre store and its Post Office services.

Mr Stafford launched a petition in August calling on TG Jones and the Post Office to protect the branch, later presenting hundreds of signatures from local residents to the Post Office.

According to the MP, the Post Office has now confirmed its commitment to restoring a branch in Farnham, with several potential replacement sites being considered.

The existing branch was advertised to prospective operators in July as a precaution, and interest has since been expressed by potential operators.

However, no replacement location has yet been confirmed, raising the possibility that Farnham could be left without a town-centre Post Office when the TG Jones store closes.

Mr Stafford said: “Farnham needs reliable access to Post Office and banking services, and I am determined to keep pressing for the best possible outcome for residents and local businesses.

“While TG Jones’s decision is disappointing, the work to secure a future Post Office for Farnham is continuing.

“The response to my petition showed the strength of local feeling, and I am encouraged that potential replacement sites and operators are already being explored.”

The MP has also requested an urgent assessment of Farnham's banking needs by LINK, the organisation responsible for assessing local access to cash and recommending additional banking services where needed.

LINK has confirmed that the assessment is now under way, although no decision has been made on whether Farnham qualifies for a banking hub.

Mr Stafford added: “I have also secured an assessment of Farnham’s banking needs by LINK, which is an important step in establishing what additional provision may be needed locally.

“I will continue working with the Post Office to identify suitable premises and pressing for every option to be considered. My priority is to ensure that residents and businesses can continue to access the essential services they rely on.”

The nearest alternative Post Office branches would be in Wrecclesham, Lower Bourne and Weybourne.

The announcement follows confirmation that Alton's TG Jones store in Westbrook Walk will also close in January 2027, along with its Post Office counter. The closures leave both towns facing the potential loss of their town-centre Post Office services until replacement branches can be secured.

The stores were formerly known as WHSmith before being rebranded as TG Jones following the sale of the retailer's UK high street business to Modella Capital in 2025

TG Jones has been approached for confirmation of the closure plans.