RELIEVED VILLAGERS are congratulating a popular couple who have won their fight to maintain the tiny Diggle post office.
Subpostmaster Paul Borg and his business partner Janet Waite have run the post office on Huddersfield Road for seven years, extending the facility to include drinks, wines, spirits and confectionary as well as high-speed postal services.
But the community feared the post office would close when a sign appeared on the red-brick exterior of the building advertising it was going to auction.
But the determined couple have won the day and bought the premises – ensuring its future.
Paul, 34, said: “There were several people interested in taking the place over but they would definitely not have kept it as a post office, that’s for sure.
“The problem is there are no other suitable premises in Diggle for a post office so Janet and I raised the cash and bought it at auction.
“It’s been a very tense few months,” he confessed. “But now the place is definitely ours we are telling our customers the post office and other facilities we have built are staying here.
“It’s a great relief – and we have been very touched by the kindness showed by our customers who are really pleased we are both staying.”
Janet added: “Locals have been marvellous. Once the ‘for sale’ board came down and we had officially bought the premises the pleasure shown by our regulars has been overwhelming.
“Small businesses like these have a great loyalty factor and we are proud to be part of the community.”
Pamela Wadsworth, owner of locally-based Jolly Jods country store, said: “The post office is the very centre of the community.
“Paul and Janet are there for us all every season of the year and it’s terrific they are staying. They deserve all the support and success because they provide such a great service.”
Alan Jacques, an 88-year-old resident, added: “Paul and Janet are one thousand per cent part of the community. They have always been there for us all – its great they are staying.”
And Stuart Coleman, chair of Diggle Community Association, declared: “We are very pleased Paul and Janet have been able to buy the post office.
“This not only guarantees its future and allows them to expand, but it actually strengthens the heart of our village. They are a well-liked couple and contribute massively to village life.
“Knowing the post office in Diggle has a secure future will ease the concerns of many residents who depend on it on a daily basis.”
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