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20/ 8/2008

TAMESIDE’S post offices are being closed down before our eyes – and now it’s up to residents to do their bit to help save them.

Last week the Advertiser reported how the branch on Broadoak Crescent, Ashton, had been earmarked for closure.

Since then, MP David Heyes and ward councillor Alan Whitehead, have set up a campaign to save the popular post office, which had been set to expand.

A consultation period will be launched soon where Post Office chiefs will be seeking the views of local folk, but residents are being urged to get in touch with Mr Heyes with their views right now.

Postmaster Hitesh Parekh, who has been at the branch 12 years, has just started dealing in foreign currency and had planned to renovate the shop.

"I was devastated when I heard about it," said the dad of two. "I’m open every day, except Sunday. My customers know they have a good service from me — businesses just come in and leave their parcels for me. I missed my lunch hour yesterday because a business had left me 50 parcels to post."

The 52 year old, who has a son at university, doesn’t know what he’ll do if his business closes. Mr Heyes said 3,000 letters had been delivered over the weekend urging residents to get in touch with their thoughts.

Councillor Whitehead has his papers delivered from the branch and is a regular customer. He added: "You definitely feel there’s some bloody mindedness here, especially after we won the campaign to save Edge Lane post office in Droylsden.

"People from all over use this post office. The Ashton Academy is going to be built only 500 yards away with 1,300 pupils. The shop is never empty."

To help the campaign send a letter to ‘Save Broadoak Post Office campaign’, FREEPOST NWW 11123, 0L1 1ZZ, email savebroadoak@yahoo.co.uk or call in at the Broadoak pub to sign a petition.