More services could boost post offices

A TOURIST office, a travel pass dispenser and somewhere to pay parking fines are among the range of ideas suggested to boost post office use.

A list of additional services has been drawn up by Oldham Council’s overview and scrutiny task and finish group (T&F) in a bid to increase footfall and generate income.

The group discussed options which could help the post office network remain commercially viable should further reductions in traditional post office services take place.

Using feedback from local sub-postmasters, a range of potential services was identified.

The most popular ideas were using post offices to pay parking fines, and purchase disabled badges and local travel passes.

Other ideas included parents paying for school meals and extra school lessons, as well as using post offices to make complaints about Oldham Council.

Least popular were using post offices to provide tourist information, as a place to view planning applications, and somewhere to book on to courses and events.

The T&F group said detailed investigation was needed into the cost of setting up the services.

The group will hold a final meeting to finalise its recommendations and produce a report which will go to Cabinet by the end of July.

The chairman, Councillor Alan Roughley, said providing the extra services would help poorer residents or those unable to use the internet.

He said: “It is about encouraging more footfall and getting more people going into each of the sub-post offices.”