A ‘VITALLY important’ Post Office which was threatened with closure could remain open with services moved to a new location.

The Breightmet Post Office, in Bury Road, was under pressure after the former postmaster stepped down earlier this year.

But now a consultation has been launched on moving the service to a new location a few doors down from its current home.

The proposed switch would see the Post Office moved 50 metres down Bury Road into the Best One newsagent, with daily opening hours extended.

Lesley McNally, area change manager said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

The current branch has been operated on our behalf by a temporary Postmaster. We have identified an alternative location to continue to offer Post Office services to the local community. We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”

In June, regional bosses took the decision to temporarily close the branch and residents feared that the services it offers could disappear from the area.

Breightmet councillor Adele Warren said

“I would rather the service moved a few doors down than lose it completely and that would have been the cause previously,” she said.

“Residents are really pleased that the Post Office services are remaining. They are really important to people. With the internet, the way a lot of people access services has changed but the Post Office is still vitally important. For example, Breightmet doesn’t have a bank so having it’s really useful to residents to have those services.”

Residents who would like to comment on plans to move the Post Office are being asked to consider a number of questions including:

  • How easy is it to get to the new location?
  • Are the new premises easy for you to get into and is the inside easily accessible?
  • Are there any other local community issues affected by the move?
  • If the move were to proceed is there anything we could do to make it easier for customers?

More information on the consultation can be found by searching for the unique branch code of 161406 on postofficeviews.co.uk.

Alternatively, call the Post Office on 03457 223344.