Alderley Edge Parish Council are supporting plans to relocate the village post office.
As reported last week, Post Office Ltd is proposing to move Alderley Edge Post Office from its current location on London Road to a new 'main' style branch at 12 West Street - with extended opening hours on Saturdays.
The Post Office is currently holding a six week public consultation, during which customers and interested parties are invited to give their comments on the move.
Speaking at last night's Parish Council meeting, Cllr Frank Keegan said "The new one is going to be DDA compliant, it is not terribly far from London Road. I think the biggest advantage is going to be that the new post office is going to be open on Saturday afternoon."
Cllr Keegan added "They are still going to retain the retail facility so I think we ought to write back to them and say we are comfortable with the new location, we're happy with the new hours and we don't think it will be any great issue for the residents of Alderley Edge to use it. This method makes sure that we are going to have a post office."
Cllr Matthew Lloyd responded "Absolutely I think it's an unmitigated good thing."
Cllr Mary Maczkowiak added "Credit to Bluemantle not to the Post Office because they have found alternative accommodation, but again it's another central part of Alderley being shifted to a side street."
The future of the village post office has been an issue since May 2009 and Bluemantle, the landlords, have been working with Post Office Ltd since that time to retain the service in the village.
Although at least six parties initially expressed an interest in taking over the running of this service, they all dropped out during the process and until Interim Enterprises took over Bluemantle did not receive rent from 45 London Road for a couple of years.
In February 2011 the Co-operative confirmed they were interested in operating the post office but changed their mind in August 2011.
The new Alderley Edge Post Office, which will also be a card and stationery store, will be run by Interim Enterprises, who have been running the current branch for the past 18 months.
The consultation will close on 14th January 2013. Submissions can be made during the consultation by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email [email protected] or the Customer Helpline on 08457 22 33 44.
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