Lydgate — airbrushed off the map?

Shutting up shop … the doomed post office and newsagents on the Lydgate border

A village which claims it is being airbrushed off the map has been dealt a devastating double whammy.

The local post office and newsagents — the last two shops serving Lydgate — are both to close.

And today the 200-strong Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, has joined a leading councillor condemning the “domino effect” which spells the end to local communities.

Mike Rooke, GGRA’s secretary, said: “We have always predicted post office closures would have a knock-on effect turning Grasscroft into a dormitory suburb.”

And ward councillor John McCann, already investigating why Lydgate does not have its own sign, said: “The closure of these two businesses will produce a classic domino effect. When one goes —others go.If they could get someone to run the two as a small convenience store it would be very helpful to the community, particularly the elderly.”

Newsagent Leon Hudson (63), who has run his terraced shop on Oldham Road for more than 19 years, shuts on Saturday.

“It will be a real wrench,” he said. “But the planned closure of the post office next door was the last straw.

“The post office, particularly on Lottery day, brought valued extra trade — I would sometimes see customers I had never seen before.”

Grasscroft postmaster, Geoff Baker (52), who has run the business for 17 years, will close on September 24. He said: “It is a shock. But I am surprised the newsagents is packing up.”

Resident Carol Stevens said: “Lydgate is losing two of its main meeting points which is especially sad for older people.

“It is all contributing to the ongoing problem of Saddleworth villages losing their individuality.

“Communities are being eroded to leave only housing with no local shops or services,” she added.

Meanwhile, villagers in Lydgate are waiting to hear if they will have the name sign restored after complaining to Oldham council that the historic community was being airbrushed off the map.

The original sign has been replaced with one saying Saddleworth.

Villagers are urging the restoration of the original sign, which could incorporate a ‘drive safely’ warning.