Oldham MP demands decision on future of town centre Post Office

Oldham Post office could still be closed and moved into WH Smith in Spindles Shopping Centre

One of Oldham’s MPs has demanded bosses at the Post Office finally make a decision on the future of the town centre branch and stop ‘wasting time’.

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has been campaigning, along with fellow MPs Debbie Abrahams and Angela Raynor, to keep the shop on Lord Street open amid fears it could close.

Under plans announced by the Post Office earlier this year the shop will close its doors for the final time and move into the WH Smith in Spindles Shopping Centre, however when or even if this will actually happen remains a mystery.

In a statement to The Oldham Evening Chronicle, Mr McMahon said: ““The ongoing uncertainty with our local Crown Post Office is nothing but a detriment to our town, the workers and the people who rely on its services. The delay is leaving local businesses, staff members and customers up in the air, this damaging and unacceptable. They are wasting time and a decision must be made now.

It is clear no one wishes to see the Post Office moved and it has been a nonsense move from the start, being driven in the search for profits over service and standard. The Post Office should stay as it is and where it is.”

Campaigners have been holding their breath for months to see if the popular branch can remain open with more than 90% of residents, who replied to a consultation earlier this year, saying they were against closure.

However, in a letter to the MP seen by The Oldham Evening Chronicle, the Post Office said: “I am advised that negotiations are still ongoing but that these are taking longer than anticipated, so there is nothing we can tell you at this time. I can only apologise for any uncertainty this may cause.”

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