Post office counter cleared for the last time

LAST post . . . marking the closure of Lower Rushcroft Post Office are (from the left) Joan McLean, David McLean, Pat McLean, Tim Flanagan, Dorothy Walker and Irene Lees

 CUSTOMERS have bade a sad farewell to Lower Rushcroft Post Office.

The Shaw branch was one of seven in Oldham axed by the Government in the latest round of closures. And after 17 years serving the community, postmaster and postmistress David and Joan McLean were behind the counter for one last time on Wednesday.

And to thank residents for their custom and support they declared open house yesterday, inviting people in for food and drink.

But although the post office counter has shut, they will continue to run their Duchess Street shop.

Mrs McLean said: “It was a little thank you from us to our customers that have been loyal to us over the last 17 years.

“We have had a good turn-out and it’s been marvellous. The general topic is they should not be closing us.

“Customers are so upset that it’s happening and it’s quite an emotional day. We know an awful lot of our customers personally. We tell one another things and listen to one another and sort out one another’s problems. It’s like a family.

“We will carry on as we can with the shop and keep our fingers crossed that people will back us and still come in. We have managed to negotiate to keep the lottery, which is important.”