Seven-day post office set to open

ON the move . . .Uppermill post office is to close and move next door to the Original Sweet Shop

UPPERMILL's new streamlined post office has received the stamp of approval from the community by opening seven days a week.

The post office moves a few yards from its traditional home on the village High Street next door to The Little Shop.

And Post Office chiefs say it will offer a convenient, quick service with bill payment, banking, benefits and travel money backed by postage, home shopping returns and Local Collect.

The new branch, which launches at 1pm on Friday, October 14, will provide two open-plan counter positions integrated into the retail counter, instead of a separate screened counter.

It will ensure easy access and adequate space for wheelchair users inside with a hearing loop at the counter.

The move will see the departure of popular sub-postmaster Graham Sheldon who is retiring after 16 years.

Mr Sheldon (58), who will continue as an Oldham and Saddleworth parish councillor, is returning to live in Greenfield with his wife Diane.

He said: "I want to thank everybody for their friendship and custom over the years. It has been a pleasure and privilege.

"It has been absolutely fantastic working here. I think how lucky I am as it's not like working in a post office in the town centre where you don't know anyone who walks in."

His last working day at the existing Post Office will be Thursday, October 13, when it closes for the last time.

The new sub-postmaster is Tony Marlor, the former Saddleworth parish council clerk, who has been running The Cellar Pot café beneath The Little Shop since March last year.

Suzanne Richardson, Post Office's regional 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.

"We are confident this vibrant new-style post office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

"This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office."

Post Office services will be available at Uppermill from 7.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday; 9am-4pm on Saturday and 9.30am -4pm on Sunday.

The former post office will be rented out as retail/commercial space.