Last post for Sukhi as he sorts a new career

SWOPPING post for pans - Sukhi Singh

GENIAL postmaster Sukhi Singh has quit his village post office to start a new career in cooking.

The 34-year-old has bowed out of Dobcross Post Office, which his family has run for more than 17 years.

Suhki, who took over the office in Woods Lane 12 years ago, said: "It was never the career I imagined but I have enjoyed every minute of it.

"Community spirit in Saddleworth is great. The people have come to feel like a family and I'll miss that.

"I feel a little bit of sorrow at leaving but a lot of excitement at what I've got planned.

"I will miss being an active member of the community. Thank you to the whole village for their support over the years."

Suhki, who appeared on TV shows Masterchef and Food Glorious Food, plans travel to India and take a 'food journey' to Dubai.

And he will be posting a blog and video blog of his experiences and research.

"Although I live in Huddersfield, I've grown up in the village and feel very much part of the community. I've had shoals of cards and presents from well wishers," he said proudly.

"It will be a big wrench leaving because I grew up here, took over the business when my father became ill and later died and got married here."

Meanwhile, new owner Anna Roscoe, helped by a friend Michelle Dady has exciting ideas planned for the Post Office, which is now 'Dobcross Village Store'.

Anna said: "I am really excited to take over and hope to make some good changes."

These will include a fully refurbished post office with longer hours, a new range of products, and a farm deli with fresh local food. However the store will be closed for two weeks early August while the refurbishment is carried out by the Post Office.

A Post Office spokesperson confirmed there will be no public consultation as the Post Office is not moving location but there will be a Customer Engagement exercise to advise opinion formers and customers of the changes and offering the chance to give any feedback.

For more information on Sukhi's cooking adventures go online: www.cookingwithsukhi.com

And a six-week public consultation over the relocation for Greenfield Post Office comes to an end on June 23.

The current post office on Chew Valley Road is due to close as postmistress Mandy Gorey is set to retire and no replacement could be found.

However, a successful campaign by Richard Knowles, former Oldham Council leader, Saddleworth Parish Councillor Alan Belmore and OMBC Councillor John McCann helped save the vital service.

The public consultation invites customers and interested parties to give their comments on the planned move.