BOLTON’S main post office branch first opened at the western end of Deansgate on November 19, 1916.

At that time, normal letters weighing up to half an ounce could be sent for one penny using a ‘Penny Black’ postage stamp. Now you pay 65p for a first class stamp.

The neo-Georgian columned building located at 124 Deansgate was designed by Charles Wilkinson.

READ MORE: End of an era as Bolton Post Office closes its doors

The purpose-built post office and telephone exchange still has four traditional red telephone boxes standing outside. The post office moved from Deansgate to Victoria Square, then eventually moved back again.

Behind the counter, there is a memorial dedicated to the memory of the 122 men and boys who lost their lives while working for the organisation when it was known as the General Post Office (GPO).

The building was bought by Makan Investments Limited for £2.15 million in 2006.

On March 28, the Post Office opened a public consultation following a proposal to move the town centre’s main branch to a vacant retail premises on Oxford Street.

The consultation closed on May 11 and the decision was approved the following month.

The Deansgate Post Office will close its doors for the last time today to make way for the new branch opening on Thursday August 16.