Residents invited to comment on move and modernisation of Uppermill Post Office

LONGER OPENING hours in a brand new Post Office are on the cards for Uppermill as a proposed move and modernisation of the branch has been unveiled.

The Post Office has launched a consultation on plans to transfer the current branch on the High Street, run by sub-postmaster Graham Sheldon, into The Little Shop next door.

In a letter to customers, they explained: “If the move goes ahead, subject to consultation, it will change to one of our new local style branches.

“This change is part of a major programme of modernization taking place across the Post Office network, the largest in the history of Post Office Ltd.”

The modernisation would include installing two low-screened, open plan style service points into the counter to offer Post Office services alongside confectionery and news retail.

Services available – including mail, banking, car tax, licences, travel money and lottery tickets – would remain mostly unchanged, with more available online and by telephone.

The new Post Office would open its doors seven days a week, from 7.30am-5.30pm on Monday to Friday and from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Current sub-postmaster Graham Sheldon, 58, is urging customers to get involved in the consultation and have their say on the proposed move and changes.

“This is the future of the Post Office and it is for the best if we can keep the services in the village for local people,” said Graham, who has been running the branch for 15 years.

“In Top Mossley, the Post Office moved into the newsagents next door and that seems to be working well.

“Most of the staff would move next door and we may even need more given the increase in hours, which is a great thing to be able to be open seven days a week.

“The services available would be very similar to what we currently have but one thing we have noticed is we would no longer be offering passports check and send services.

“That has been a great service so we would like to keep that as the closest branch that can offer it otherwise is Shaw or Oldham.

“If people can let the Post Office know that and any other concerns, it could help determine what we get. The disabled access needs to be looked at but there are plans around that.”

Graham will not be making the transition with the Post Office as he revealed he will retire and make way for a new sub-postmaster when the move takes place in March/April 2016.

“I have really enjoyed working here over the last 15 years and want to thank everybody for their support,” he said.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to do this and have a job I enjoy so much but I just want to do something different now.”

The current Uppermill Post Office will become a retail space with a flat above to rent out, while the Cellar Pot café underneath The Little Shop will remain unchanged.

Customers are invited to send their suggestions and concerns over the proposed location and services before the consultation close date of Friday, February 5, 2016.

Pick up a consultation form from Uppermill Post Office and send feedback online via postofficereviews.co.uk using the unique branch code 202424 or email comments@postoffice.co.uk or phone 03457 223344.