A group of concerned local residents, traders, councillors and members of The Edge Association gathered outside the Post Office yesterday to demonstrate their commitment to saving the Alderley Edge Post Office.
Councillor Frank Keegan and Parish Councillor Mary Maczkowiak were joined by Mitch Gilbert, chairman of the Alderley Edge Action Group, Ian Daglish and Martin Sinker from The Edge Association as well as a number of local residents who were raising awareness that unless action is taken its future could be under threat.
As reported last week, this concern has arisen from a planning application submitted by The Bubble Room to change the use of 45 London Road to a restaurant and bar so they can extend in to the neighbouring property which is currently occupied by the Post Office.
However, further to my article last week there is still no clear understanding of exactly what is happening to the Post Office. We believe that Scott Darlington, who runs the post office as a franchise, has been trying to sell the leasehold of the business for some time and when I spoke with Post Office Ltd they stressed that as far as they are concerned it is business as usual.
Bluemantle, who own the property, and therefore know what the situation regarding the lease at 45 London Road and whether the Post Office will be vacating the premises shortly, have declined comment. Their PR representative said "To be honest we are not really in a position to comment at this stage as it is very much in the hands of the planning and couldn't really comment on the Post Office's plans."
If the Post Office is to vacate its current premises then a suitable alternative needs to be found in the village. Last week I contacted several people at Tesco because I, like many people, had heard rumours that they had put in an application to take over the post office services in Alderley Edge, but the response I received this week would seem to put them out of the picture.
My contact in the PR department at Tesco said " I haven't been able to speak to everyone I need to but those I have think this is just a rumour."
Hopefully the coming weeks will bring more clarity on the situation and we will keep you informed if we receive any more news. In the meantime an extra Plans Committee meeting has been arranged by the Parish Council for Monday 23rd August. The Bubble Room's planning application, number 10/2417M, in respect of 45 London Road will be considered along with a number of others.
The meeting will start at 7.00pm in the Council Chamber at the Festival Hall and, as usual, members of the public are welcome to attend.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Has anyone considered asking the Festival Hall to host the Post Office? There is no movement as yet on the medical practice occupying the space.
The Festival Hall may be a possible option for a relocation, although some residents may consider it too far a walk from the main shopping area. TESCO, or (preferrably) the CO-OP would be more convenient options, but a cheaper alternative could be to bring the old kiosk at the Railway Station back into use, along with the adjoining "lamp room."