Fight to save under-threat Greater Manchester Post Offices begins

The fight to save under threat post offices in Greater Manchester has begun with suggestion some could become 'banking hubs' and campaigns and petitions launched urging a reprieve.

This week it was announced that a number of Post Offices in Greater Manchester are at risk of closure as more than 100 branches are set to close across the UK. The Post Office is looking to offload 115 directly-owned branches within its 11,500 network in a move that could see them transferred to retail partners or postmasters - or potentially closed.

Around 1,000 workers are employed at the at-risk branches. Of the 115 branches put at risk are larger crown branches , meaning those owned by the company directly.

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They include branches at Stockport, (36-40 Great Underbank); Prestwich, (2 Kingswood Road); Salford, (112 Rossall Way); Leigh, (17 Silk Street); Hyde, (30-32 Market Place); Eccles, (63 Church Street); Didsbury Village, (Albert Hill Street); and Barnes Green, (Lee Road, Harpurhey).

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford suggested that some of the affected branches could diversify. He said: "Anyone who has been to Prestwich Post Office will know how busy it is and how vital the service it offers are. "This move shows the continued lack of awareness by the Post Office management of its customers, employees, and communities fresh off the back of the Horizon scandal.

"Many post offices have been updated or adapted to allow for banking hubs which complement the activity of the Post Office. "With Prestwich’s last bank, the Halifax, due to close, there is no reason why the Post Office couldn’t help provide this service which would help drive footfall to the town.

"I will be working with local councillors to stand up for our local post office branch and the brilliant, well used services it provides. "As such we’ll be launching a campaign and petition to keep Prestwich post office open."

Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, Tom Morrison has urged central government to step in to ensure continuity fo services. He said: "Local communities can't be left without the essential services that Post Offices offer. "I am worried about the inclusion of Stockport's Post Office, and will be working to ensure the Government guarantees that local services and jobs are protected."

Prestwich councillors have launched a petition on change.org titled 'stop the proposed closure of Prestwich Post Office'. The petition highlighted the importance of the service for older people who do less of their business online and said a closure could threaten smaller businesses.

The petition, said: "The Post Office is considering the closure of the Prestwich Post Office, a vital community resource that provides an essential service to local residents. "Post Offices play a critical role in our communities, particularly for vulnerable and older residents who may not have access to these services elsewhere, especially when so much is now online only.

"This is even more important for Prestwich now that all our former bank branches have closed. "Many of our town's small businesses depend on the local post office too. The closure of Prestwich Post Office will not only affect local residents but also threatens the survival of small businesses.

"Please join our call to the Post Office to recognise the value and importance of this community resource and to scrap the planned closure."