Changes afoot at the post office

A new temporary postmaster has taken over at Alderley Edge Post Office.

Simon Greenwood, who has been running the post office and kept it going for the past two years has had to give up the position due to ill health.

Doreen Greenwood, who worked in the post office with her son Simon and Sue, said "We did not have the opportunity to thank everyone for their valued custom over the last two years, and also their patience, when things beyond our control went wrong. So we would like to say a big thank you, we will miss you all.

"Furthermore our thanks extend to Bluemantle, the landlords, who have really bent over backwards and done more than most to keep the post office up and running, also Councillor Keegan for all of his help and support.

"The last two years have been stressful because of the circumstances as to how we came to be there. We have all worked for the post office for quite a few years, we live in Alderley Edge and once owned a newsagent on Heyes Lane, where Simon and Susan were brought up doing paper rounds."

The new postmaster Shamil Hudda took over the post office yesterday, Wednesday 30th March. Whilst he has been appointed on a temporary basis, Shamil's intention is for it to be a permanent arrangement.

Shamil's family have have been in the industry for over 20 years and he took over the post office in Bramhill, where he lives, 18 months ago.

Shamil told me "I have some really excited ideas and I'm looking forward to it. I don't want the post office to go to the co-op, I will fight for it to remain independent. I like independent post offices with a personal touch.

"I am looking to build the business up and welcome ideas from people about what they would like us to offer. It is all about providing a service."

The post office is currently being cleared out and a photo booth and photocopier are already on order.

Shamil said "I plan to sell stationary, card, gifts, luxury toys and gift wrap. The stationary will come first and the cards should arrive in the next few weeks.

"I will improve the post office services and extend the opening hours from 9 to 5.30pm. We will not be closing for lunch and, if there is the demand, then we are prepared to extend the opening until 4pm on Saturday as we do in Bramhall."

A spokesperson for The Co-operative confirmed in February that they had submitted an application to operate a Post Office in Alderley Edge. Today, she said there is nothing further to add at the moment.

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Post Office