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The Lib Dems say the party will fight to keep Higher Tonge Post Office open as an important focal point for the community
The Lib Dems say the party will fight to keep Higher Tonge Post Office open as an important focal point for the community
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Another post office is now under threat

Denise Evans
14/ 8/2008

IN A new twist in the Post Office closure saga another Middleton branch now faces the axe.

Higher Tonge Post Office, on Oldham Road faces a fight to stay open after the postmaster was unexpectedly told the last post may have sounded for it.

The branch has appeared on a new hit list after Spotland Road Post Office in Rochdale was saved in the latest round of closures announced on Tuesday.

The Post Office is responding to government pressure to shut thousands of branches around the country as part of a cost-cutting programme.

After Spotland Road, one of the six original branches earmarked to go was saved, Higher Tonge will now be sacrificed in its place.

The PO say their final list, which follows six weeks of consultation, is non-negotiable.

It will mean the axe for a second Middleton post office. Bowness Road post office in Langley has also gone under, it was announced this week.

The move has angered and shocked councillors and residents.

Cllr Alan Taylor, Leader of the council, said: "I have instructed the council that we will fight this decision.

"I have also submitted a formal complaint and this news will be devastating for the people of Middleton.

"We will fight tooth and nail to retain this valuable community facility.

"We want to know why residents weren’t informed and given the chance to oppose it in the first place."

A spokesperson for Royal Mail has confirmed Higher Tonge Post Office is on the list for possible closure and say the consultation period will be announced shortly.

Cllr Taylor and other Liberal Democrat councillors, will now launch a campaign to save the popular and busy Post Office that lies in the heart of the Higher Tonge area.

Tell us what you think. Email your comments to middletonguardian@menwn.co.uk or click on 'Submit comments'


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(1)


Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   Pretty soon it will get to the stage where we need to pay for buses and taxis to use a post office as it will be so far away. I expect in some cases, it will be quicker to post letters by hand as the destination of the letters will be nearer than the local post office.
Dalhorlan
15/08/2008 at 15:25
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