He highlighted the historical importance of the Post Office at The Quadrant, which had previously been a separate facility before moving to the back of Martins newsagents, later becoming McColls and then Morrisons Daily.
Watson explained that after the two banks in The Quadrant closed, residents relied on the Post Office for banking.
However, service became difficult when Morrisons merged Post Office counters with general shop purchases, leading to long queues and privacy concerns.
>>> The Guardian view on Venezuela’s earthquake: a disaster compounded by crisis
In early 2025, a petition signed by over 150 residents led to the reinstatement of a dedicated Post Office counter, 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," Watson said.
He added that residents do not wish to lose the Post Office alongside the store, and that staff were kept in the dark about their jobs.
The association has written to elected representatives but received responses that it is a commercial decision.
Local retailers also voiced dismay.
Jez Levy, owner of EYES on St Albans, criticized the erosion of public services and economic pressures on physical stores.
"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," he said.
Nadya Giffen, owner of Nadya Giffen Therapies, called the closure a "huge blow" for local businesses and vulnerable residents.
"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!"
>>> ITVX Makes Psychological Thriller 'Platform 7' Available for Free Streaming
she said.
