Mystery as ‘vital’ post office shuts
MYSTERY surrounds the sudden closure of an ‘essential’ Post Office branch in Rossendale - with the company unable to confirm when it will reopen.
The office on Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, closed on Friday, July 6, with just a sign on the door to let customers know.
Although the Post Office has apologised and says it is ‘working hard’ to get the branch reopened, it has not confirmed when this will be or why it shut in the first place. It has left people angry as currently the next nearest outlet is in Rawtenstall, which means an inconvenient journey for customers - many of whom are elderly.
Barbara O’Sullivan, 72, from Waterfoot, said: “It has been shut for about two weeks and there is nothing on the door to say why or when it will reopen. Everyone uses it, elderly people can need the Post Office and it is not very convenient for a lot of people to go to Rawtenstall.”
The closure has been described as ‘temporary’ by the Post Office.
Pam Bromley, councillor for the Whitewell ward, added: “It makes me angry. I use it myself, it is absolutely essential, but Post Offices are closing all over the country. They should be kept open though as they are an important point of contact for people and very much missed when they go.
“The services should be available, particularly for older people who may not be able to use internet banking. My message to the Post Office is get it back open as quickly as possible.”
The nearest alternative Post Office is on Kay Street in Rawtenstall, just more than one and a half miles away.
A Post Office spokesman said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Waterfoot Post Office.
“We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services. We would like to reassure customers that the decision to suspend services at any of our branches is never taken lightly.
“We take very seriously any decision to temporarily close a branch, and will only do so when it is warranted.
“We are working hard to restore services for the community as quickly as possible.”