Post office returns to Mossley after fears it was gone for good

By: George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

At the beginning of the year a town on the edge of Tameside thought they were going to be left without a post office.

The former sub-postmaster, Idu Miah, was one of hundreds to suffer amid the Horizon scandal highlighted in the ITV show Mr Bates vs The Post Office, according to local MP Jonathan Reynolds. The Stalybridge and Hyde MP explained that even though Mr Miah received some compensation from the Post Office for what he had lost, ‘scars remained’ – leading to his departure from the role.

Locals were up in arms following the news in February the Manchester Road branch in Mossley was to shut after two decades.

Many were concerned this could spell the end for the high street. Since the other post office in Top Mossley in the area closed alongside the banks, the branch in Bottom Mossley was the last place people could withdraw cash and access postal services.

During the temporary closure, locals needed to go to Stalybridge, Ashton, Carbrook, Millbrook or Greenfield. But now the town officially has a local post office again after a grand opening this week.

Mossley post office at the Raja Brothers on Manchester Road, Mossley (Photo: Post Office via LDRS)

Mossley Post Office is now at a new location, the Raja Brothers on Manchester Road, Mossley. There is a post office serving position alongside the retail counter of the store.

David Hunt, Post Office network provision manager, said: “We are delighted to have restored a post office to this area as we know how important a post office is to a community.

“The branch’s opening hours make it convenient for customers to visit.”

(Local Democracy Reporting Service)