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People power wins in PO fight

Sue Carr
29/ 1/2003

FIRST class campaigners in Droylsden are celebrating victory after winning the long battle to save their main post office.

Plans to close the office were announced in mid December, but sparked a storm of protest in the town.

Now after weeks of campaigning by residents and councillors, post office bosses have decided the community lifeline can stay.

Local councillors joined forces with Ashton and Droylsden MP David Heyes to head the campaign and collected a petition of more than 5,000 signatures.

And the community effort has paid off as post office chiefs announced new plans to move the office to Queen's Walk.

Droylsden West Cllr Ged Cooney welcomed the decision which will see the office, part of the United Co-op in Greenside Lane, close tomorrow (Wednesday) and re-open in its new site on February 10.

But he added the fight to secure its long-term future would still go on.

He said: "This is great news for Droylsden and we want to thank all those who showed us their support and signed the petition. It is a victory won, but we have still got to carry on the campaign to secure a permanent post office in the precinct."

Cllr Cooney suggested the Co-op may decide to call time on the business when they reach the end of their franchise.

He added: "We think the post office is a good business and good for the town.

"The Co-op may want to throw in the towel, but we have shown that the demand is there and we will not be happy until they assure us there is a permanent place for the post office."

The current branch was due to be demolished in February as part of a massive redevelopment scheme in the town.

But news that new premises would not be found met with public outrage and angry residents launched the anti-closure campaign.

Post Office manager Alan Schofield said the company had listened to all views and worked hard with the Co-op to find a solution.

He added: "Though the new office will be smaller than the existing one, I am sure our customers will be pleased that we have managed to retain an office in the town centre."