Middleton Post Office branch finds permanent home at Alkrington Library
The branch, which had been run temporarily at Alkrington Library, will now remain at the library long term ensuring it remains at the heart of the local community
A pop-up Post Office at a borough library has been given the stamp of approval to remain there permanently.
The branch, which had been run temporarily at Alkrington Library in Middleton, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, will now remain at the library long term - ensuring it remains at the heart of the local community.
Following the closure of the Mainway Post Office branch at Kirkway, local councillors Pat Dale, Peter Joinson and Peter Williams stepped in to help find a temporary pop home for the branch at Alkrington Library.
It proved a popular decision with hundreds of residents a day using the Post Office to pay bills, withdraw cash and send mail.
Now residents can have the security of knowing the Post Office will remain there for the long term.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for libraries, said: “This is a brilliant initiative showing partnership working at its best.
“Well done to the local councillors, led tirelessly by Pat Dale, who campaigned to save the service and ensure the Post Office remained a key part of community life.
“I am passionate about developing our library service to help secure the future of local branches."
She also said that the decision will also provide a boost to the library.
Coun Emsley said: “It is a fine example of how local branches can widen and develop their offer, to provide a range of innovative services for residents.
“The success story has secured the future of the local Post Office and provided a timely boost for the library.
“It’s certainly got my seal of approval.”
Joint postmasters Paul Coughlan and Lynne Murphy have been delighted with the response of the community.
Paul said: “We have been made very welcome from day one, so a huge thanks to the council, library staff and customers for their support.
“Without the use of this building and the backing of local councillors, the Post Office branch would have closed.
“It’s a perfect example of vital local services working together, with the backing of the council and residents, to help secure its long-term future.”
Alkrington Post Office branch, at Alkrington Library, Kirkway, is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm.
