Concern as PO shuts up shop

LEES Post Office

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VILLAGERS who battled to keep their village post office open have expressed concerns over its sudden closure.

Residents who live near the busy premises in High Street, Lees, were puzzled when a notice appeared in the front window a week ago and the door remained locked.

The note said the post office was temporarily closed until further notice due to "unforeseen circumstances".

Said one worried resident: "There was no advance warning. The Post Office just shut up - and that was that."

And with shadows of Barclays Bank pulling out of the village recently, locals began to worry if there could be of a knock-on effect.

But today The Post Office reassured The Chronicle the premises will reopen.

A spokesperson in London said: "We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Lees Post Office due to operational reasons.

"We know how important Post Office services are to people in this area and we are committed to maintaining services in the area," she declared.

"Post Office is working hard to restore services as soon as possible.

"However, in the meantime Post Office services may be accessed from any convenient Post Office branch including Springhead and Waterhead."

In 2008, the local community got behind the campaign to save the Post Office when it faced closure.

The Lees Community Association helped to collect signatures on a petition to keep it open as an important resource for Lees residents and the wider community.

Val Sedgwick and Barbara Beeley, both former Oldham councillors, were part of the action group along with Councillor Brian Lord.

Said Val: "I am very concerned Lees Post Office closed suddenly, without warning, last week.

"Having fought hard in 2008 to keep it open it is extremely worrying that it has been closed for over a week."

Added Barbara: "With the recent closure of Barclays Bank this now only leaves Springhead Post Office in the area where local people can carry out cash transactions."

OMBC and Saddleworth parish councillor Steve Hewitt has been campaigning against the Barclays bank closure.

He said:"I'm pleased at the Post Office reassurances, but they should keep customers informed."