Post Office branch could be relocated

Mandy Gorey

THE decision of a postmistress to quit her job has raised concerns among villagers in Saddleworth.

Mandy Gorey is credited with raising thousands of pounds for local charities and has run Greenfield Post Office, in Chew Valley Road, for 13 years.

But the 50-year-old mother-of-two, who was guest of honour and switched on the village’s Christmas lights last year, has decided to leave the business, saying: “I love being part of the community but I want to spend more time with my family and grandchildren.”

Dr Andrew Taylor, chairman of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, said: “A post office forms an important part of the very cohesion of a village, and the postmaster or postmistress is a significant part of this. Mandy has fulfilled the role for Greenfield with efficiency and charm and was rightly the VIP who turned on the village Christmas tree lights last year.”

Another worried villager said: “Residents will be sad to see Mandy leave and hope for as cheerful and effective a person for her replacement.

“The prospect of losing our post office would be devastating to this village.

“The shop has been a busy hub in our community, not only offering postal services but providing banking services and retail items. Our older residents rely on such amenities being close to home.”

However, a Post Office spokesperson said: “Customers should be assured the Post Office is committed to maintaining a service in the area.

“This could result in a relocation of the branch, and any such relocation would be subject to a public consultation.

“We are investing in new models of post office branches which will help improve their profitability and also benefit our customers through longer opening hours and modern retail environments. We are currently liaising with postmasters across the UK, including at Greenfield, about these changes.

“No decision about Greenfield Post Office has been made at this stage.”