Reprieve for popular post office

10:20am Tuesday 19th August 2008

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SUTTON Post Office is off the hit list announced by Post Office Ltd in June, but the remaining five Macclesfield area post offices will close from mid-September.

They are: Bollinbrook, already temporarily closed, at 4-6 Merriden Road, Macclesfield, Bollington Cross at 52 Ovenhouse Lane, Bollington, Broken Cross at 1 Chelford Road, Macclesfield, Gawsworth at 2-4 Longbutts Lane, Gawsworth, and Hockley at 313a Park Lane, Poynton.

Sutton’s reprieve follows a review of the issues raised during consultation, says Post Office Ltd. A six week public consultation ended on July 21.

Alan White, postmaster at Broken Cross for the past nine years, told Community News: “It’s very disappointing for the residents of Broken Cross and Henbury, who have been so supportive over the years.

“There is no appeal against this decision, so we will be closing the whole business down. Without the post office, there’s nothing. It’s very sad.”

In 2006, Broken Cross Post Office was runner-up in the North West Best Post Office competition, which attracted 3,000 entries.

Tom Funnell, postmaster at Bollington Cross for the past five years, anticipated Post Office Ltd’s decision and closed the post office side of his business the week before the announcement.

“I always thought it was a foregone conclusion,” he said, but he is continuing to operate the general store and is enhancing the services offered.

“I’m installing a cashpoint and Payzone, where people can pay their water rates,” Mr Funnell told Community News.

“We will also be staying open for two extra hours until 9pm.

“But as far as the loss of the post office goes, I’m very sorry for our elderly residents who will struggle to get to the nearest post office at West Bollington.”

Sharon Hunt, postmaster at Gawsworth, also expressed her disappointment for local residents, particularly the elderly, but added that she too would be continuing to trade as a general store.

At Sutton, the mood was one of jubilation.

“I’m surprised, but delighted,” said postmaster Adrian Whittaker, “and it’s business as usual.

“I don’t think Post Office Ltd had considered the massive area which would have been affected by our closure, not just people in Sutton but also those in Wincle, Wildboarclough and Langley.

“We’ve had excellent support from all the community and I must say a big thank you to them for getting behind us.”

More than 60 post offices will close throughout the region, with 316 remaining.

Richard Lynds, Post Office Ltd’s Network Development Manager North West, said: “These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly. We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation and we believe that the plan announced today (Tuesday) offers our customers in this area the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future.”