MP welcomes community's commitment to save Post Office

10.31.17am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Jun 2006

More than 50 people attended a meeting chaired by local resident John Sainsbury in Witherslack to talk about the future of the village's post office on Monday. The current sub-postmaster & sub-postmistress retire at the end of July, but there has been no buyer for their business.

The meeting voted almost unanimously to take practical steps to keep a post office and shop going in the village. Initially it is envisaged that there will be a temporary post office and shop in a Portakabin at the Village Hall car park.

Local MP Tim Farron, who attended the meeting to offer his support, said: "The post office is the centre of the community - to lose it would be a tragedy for Witherslack and the surrounding area. Working together, local people have got a chance of saving the post office and helping to create an even greater level of community spirit in the process. The experience of the community-led post office in Storth is a great example from which we can learn many lessons."

After an initial presentation and discussion session, residents were asked to talk in small groups and contribute ideas on everything from what the shop should stock to opening hours.

Tim continued: "The response from the community was really encouraging - all those involved deserve real credit and I hope I can play a role in helping Witherslack residents achieve their goal."