news story

27th February 2009

Campaigners Celebrate Final Piece in the Funding Jigsaw for Post Office Re-Opening

Tytherington residents are celebrating after local councillors awarded a grant at tonight's (Thursday's) 'Area Forum' meeting which will enable the post office to reopen.

The £3,000 grant from the Area Forum will complement money raised on the Tytherington council tax and from central council funds to cover the annual running costs for a re-opened post office.

The post office closed in Autumn 2008 when it was included on a national list of closures but following a concerted campaign led by local MP Steve Webb, Tytherington parish leaders, the village shop and local councillors, a funding package has been put in place which should enable the post office to reopen later in the Spring.

Commenting on the decision, Steve Webb said:

"This is excellent news. Over a period of several months we have been meeting government ministers, post office officials and the local council to put together a funding package to rescue Tytherington post office. I am delighted that local councillors have allocated this grant to Tytherington post office and will continue to work with local residents to see this project through to completion".

Local Lib Dem councillor Howard Gawler, whose ward includes Tytherington, said:

"The village shop is at the heart of the community in Tytherington and the post office was a hugely valued service. I am grateful to my fellow councillors for awarding this grant as I know that they understand how village shops and post offices help to keep a community together".

Final financial details are now being agreed with the post office and then work will be needed to reinstate computer and other equipment at Tytherington post office before the service can finally be restored.