Following announcements that Dobcross sorting office was planned to close Liberal Democrat councillors, who have campaigned to save the post office before, wrote to both Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd to express concerns that closing a sorting office would cause massive inconvenience to Saddleworth residents.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Saddleworth North,  Garth Harkness said “Last time the sorting office was set to close in 2014 the plan was that Saddleworth residents would have to travel to the main delivery depot in Oldham. This would be a massive inconvenience. They abandoned those plans. Proposing to close the sorting office again sent alarm bells ringing so we quickly wrote to both Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd. We said that people need a collection facility in Dobcross and we still need a Post office too”.

The Post office have responded to the Liberal Democrat councillors saying that the decision is to still close the Dobcross sorting office “on the basis that Royal Mail can improve efficiency of the mail delivery operation” but have conceded that Dobcross Post office can still be used to collect undelivered parcels.

Councillor Derek Heffernan said “I am pleased that the Post Office National Mailwork Manager has agreed that undelivered items will be able to be collected by Saddleworth residents from Dobcross rather people having to travel into Oldham “

Councillor Garth Harkness added“ I am delighted that they have also confirmed they have no intention of closing Dobcross Post Office. I am still fearful for the future of the Post Office and will hold them to their commitment and continue to fight for vital services to remain in Saddleworth”