COUNCILLORS and an MP joined the fight to keep a Post Office in top Mossley after the branch closed.
The retirement of the couple behind Doubleday’s newsagents, on Lees Road, meant the area was left without a counter from March 13.
But Mossley Town Council has drawn up a plan to try and save the facility, even if it moves.
And the hope is bosses at the nearby Co-op change their thinking and decide to house it.
A report to the authority states: “The counter is a lifeline for many older residents in top Mossley who rely on the facility to draw their pension and pay their bills.
“It also provides a ‘safe space’ in which to withdraw cash.
“There is a Post Office in ‘bottom’ Mossley but this is not easily accessible to many older people and those with disabilities who live in top Mossley.
“The local Co-op already acts as a collection point for parcel deliveries etc. Providing a Post Office counter service would seem to fit very well with the Co-op’s ethos of serving the local community and would also serve to raise its standing and reputation within the community.
“It may also lead to additional trade for the Co-op.”
However, despite the Co-Op being made aware of the opportunity, it is believed they are not yet interested in taking on the branch.
MP Jonathan Reynolds has got involved in the battle to keep a Post Office in top Mossley and has been told bosses are seeking alternative locations for a counter.
He has been told: “I believe they are in the process of trying to sell their business.
“If successful, then it is possible that the new owner may be interested in running the Post Office as well. If this is the case, then we would be happy to work with them.”
And he said: “I am saddened to learn that Upper Mossley Post Office is set to close temporarily from March 13.
“I know this will be a disappointing blow to the Upper Mossley community.”
A letter he received from the Post Office’s network provision lead Dave Hunt adds: “The current postmaster is resigning.
“The provision of a Post Office service to our customers in the local community is important to us, and we will continue to work hard to restore services in the area as soon as possible.
“We would welcome any applications from potential retail partners interested in running a branch locally on our behalf.
“I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.
“In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.
“We apologise for the inconvenience the temporary closure may cause.”