OPTIONS are being assessed after it was confirmed Mottram’s Post Office will remain closed.
The facility, on Mottram Moor, has been shut since August 2 last year for reasons that were described as ‘beyond our control.’
Now hopes of it reopening in other premises have been dealt a blow after the Post Office admitted other options were not suitable.
In a letter from network provision lead Karl Haddon, it states: “We have been exploring our options for restoring a Post Office service to our customers in the area.
“The vacancy in Mottram has been advertised on our website and a member of the field team has also personally visited the area.
“I can confirm that whilst we have had some local interest, we are not currently able to progress any options to restore a Post Office service locally.
“As there have been no suitable opportunities to re-establish a service, this branch will remain closed.
“We would of course consider any appropriate options if there are any significant changes in the area in the future.
“However due to the length of time the branch has been closed, we would need to satisfy ourselves that any new opportunity would be sustainable for both Post Office Ltd and the operator.
“We regret that we have been unable to restore a service locally.”
Now people in Mottram face travelling to Hollingworth or Hattersley – three quarters of a mile and a mile-and-a-half away respectively – to access the service.
And there is the chance of one being set up again in Mottram as communities can take over the running of them, as long as the facilities are there.
That involves a six-week local public consultation, asking specific questions before any decision to proceed.