People to give views on post office move
A CONSULTATION to relocate a village post office branch has been launched - despite uncertainty over the present and proposed site’s future.
The Post Office is asking for the public’s views on its proposal to move Rising Bridge post office across the road to Sherfin Corn Mill, on Blackburn Road.
They say the move will help “safeguard” sustainable services, but one local councillor has claimed if it goes ahead the branch will be unable to survive. In its statement, the Post Office said: “We are confident that introducing a local style branch alongside a successful retail store is the most effective way to safeguard sustainable Post Office services in the local community into the future.”
In May we reported that plans to convert the current site into a wine bar had been refused by Rossendale council, amid a lack of “clarity” about the relocation proposals.
Planning agent Trevor Hobday had assured the development control meeting that planning permission was “not required” for them to transfer the site, although that was called into question by officers. The meeting also heard concerns from councillors about the suitability of the proposed new site, including lack of parking.
Coun Liz McInnes had said: “It doesn’t strike me as an ideal place for people to access post office services.”
Speaking this week Worsley Coun Ann Kenyon told the Free Press: “I think we’re going to lose it. The access to the post office is horrendous; there’s no footpath on it or anything.
“If it moves into the corn mill it’s going to close because it’s only going to be there for Holland’s Pies to pay their money in.”
The six-week consultation closes on August 23.
A Post Office spokesperson told the Free Press: “We are proposing to relocate branches as part of plans to modernise our network. These premises inside the mill building are across the road from the current premises and the move is with the agreement of the current Postmaster. The proposed premises would be refurbished to incorporate a convenience store and Post Office. There would be better parking and access.”
Customers can share their views during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 366427. Submissions can also be made via email to comments@postoffice.co. uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by telephone 03452 66 01 15 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55.