Seal of approval: Middleton residents hail first class service

Councillors, post office managers and council library staff at the Alkrington Post Office Branch (picture taken prior to the latest Covid-19 lockdown)

A Post Office branch run from Alkrington Library in Middleton has been given the stamp of approval by local residents.

An innovative partnership between Rochdale Borough Council and the Post Office secured the service’s future following the closure of the previous Mainway branch at Kirkway.

Local councillors Pat Dale, Peter Joinson and Peter Williams stepped in, helping to find a temporary pop home for the popular branch at the local library.

It has proved just the ticket, with hundreds of residents a day using the Post Office to pay bills, withdraw cash and send mail.

The Alkington branch has now become a permanent fixture at the library, sealing its long-term future and ensuring it remains at the heart of the local community.

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 our developing our library service to help secure the future of local branches. 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, 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 from 9.30am - 4.30pm.