Local politicians divided over Heywood Post Office move

Local politicians have been left divided over a proposal to move Heywood Post Office from Hind Hill Street to Market Street.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126235/heywood-post-office-could-move-from-current-location-to-market-street

Under the proposals, the services at the new branch, operated by a convenience store, would offer the same services as the current branch, including everyday banking for the UK’s high street banks, online shopping returns and collections and foreign exchange.

Extended opening hours, including Saturday afternoons, have also been put forward.

Whilst MP for Heywood and Middleton, Liz McInnes, and West Heywood councillor Peter Malcolm are concerned over the plans, North Heywood councillor and Chair of Heywood Township Committee, Peter Rush says he and a number of other local councillors believe a new service is good for the town.

Councillor Rush said: “The majority of Heywood councillors I have spoken with all agree this is a very good thing for Heywood.

“There will be a number of advantages with a new Post Office: footfall to our town will increase, which is very much needed, the opening hours are far in excess of what is currently offered, an empty building will be made safe and brought back into use.

“A new Post Office would also provide a pickup and drop-off for parcels, banking facilities and money exchange.

“We are however concerned about the staff. They need a fair and just deal and we hope as many as can be are taken on.”

Ms McInnes MP said: “I’m very concerned about the sudden announcement of this consultation, especially as at the moment we’re also dealing with a consultation to move Middleton Post Office. It’s worrying that the retail partner they’re proposing moving the post office into isn’t named - if we knew who it was it would be easier to get an impression of what post office service from this new location would be like.

“Residents are already expressing concerns to me about parking and accessibility and worries that the sorting office will be relocated next.

“I’m also concerned that with so many bank branches closed now in Heywood that the proposed relocation may make it more difficult for customers to do their banking at the post office.

“I would urge everyone to respond to the consultation if they have any concerns.”

Councillor Malcolm said: “I stood with our MP Liz McInnes recently at a protest at Middleton Post Office, but little did I realise they were thinking of moving Heywood as well.

“It would appear they are training new staff; the current staff whom are loyal, skilful and knowledgeable are not transferring. They will be offering longer opening hours, but I ask, why can’t they do that at Hind Hill and keep the existing staff?

“The retailer believes by having all these Post Office customers in the shop his sales will increase, but from past experience, the big queues in these smaller retail outlets clog up the shop and deter other shoppers.

“This is another Post Office decision taken purely for commercial reasons and will not, in my opinion, provide a better service than that we currently enjoy at Hind Hill Street.

“Following on from the closure of Lloyds Bank, this is another blow for our town and Heywood people deserve better.”

A public consultation on the proposals has now started, opening on 20 February 2019, which will run until 3 April.

It is proposed to open the new branch in June 2019.  

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