Public consultation launched over Greenfield Post Office move after councillors’ successful campaign

PLANS HAVE been revealed for a relocated Post Office in Greenfield after a campaign by local councillors to save the vital community service.

Greenfield PO1
Greenfield Post Office

Richard Knowles, former Oldham Council leader, Saddleworth Parish Councillor Alan Belmore and OMBC Councillor John McCann were instrumental in securing the move as current postmistress Mandy Gorey is set to retire.

Now there is a six-week consultation from April 28 to June 23 so customers and interested parties can give their comments on the planned move to the new premises.

Plans would see the shop move just 380 metres down the road from its current spot at 32-34 Chew Valley Road to 125 Chew Valley Road, into Greenfield Newsagents.

The new location would offer a modern, local-style branch with an open-plan till, with a wide range of Post Office services available, as well as banking services for individuals and small businesses.

The branch would open from 5am-6pm Monday to Friday, 5am-3pm Saturday and 5am-1pm on Sunday, all with no lunchtime closing – offering an extra 42 hours.

Delighted with the planned move, Dr Knowles said: “It has taken many months of lobbying and a site meeting in the newsagents to obtain Post Office Ltd’s agreement.

“The combination of our excellent newsagent, who still delivers newspapers, and the Post Office provides a viable future for both businesses.

“Public services are vital for the life and vitality of our village communities and I am delighted for all residents in Greenfield that our campaign has succeeded.”

Cllr Belmore, who lives in Greenfield, added: “This is fantastic news. Everyone who lives in the village knows how important the Post Office is and what a fantastic job Mandy has done.”

p7 greenfield newsagents.2
Greenfield Newsagents

The existing Post Office is being converted into a house so a new postmaster and new premises had to be found.

The proposed move is part of major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.

Suzanne Richardson, Regional Manager said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are confident this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”

Submissions can be made during the public consultation by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, by calling the Customer Helpline on 03457 22 33 44 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55.

Customers can also share their views online through the quick and easy questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 169424.