Heywood politicians oppose relocation of Heywood Post Office

Heywood politicians joined Communications Workers Union members in a day of protest against the relocation of Heywood Post Office on Saturday 23 March.

Liz McInnes MP and local councillors Jacqui Beswick, Ray Dutton, Susan Emmott, Carol Wardle, Peter Rush, Liam O'Rourke, Linda Robinson, Peter Malcolm and Alan McCarthy showed their support in keeping the Post Office on Hind Hill 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.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick said: “The Post Office is not just a place for sending parcels. It is the heart of a local community.

“But it is under assault, through closures, privatisation and neglect.

“Research shows that franchising our Crown post offices to WHSmith and others results in longer queuing time, sub-standard service, reduced services, inferior advice given on products, and poor disabled access.

“In addition to this, local economies and lives are hit by quality jobs being replaced with low pay insecure work, and high streets are often decimated by the closing of Crown offices in prime sites that once provided custom in the area.

“Franchising causes people to leave the service because jobs advertised by firms such as WH Smith, which holds a number of franchises, are lower paid than those at the Post Office.

“People are sick and tired of the broken privatisation agenda that is behind this latest move.”

A public consultation on the proposals will run until 3 April.

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

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