High Peak Post Office will stay open after new buyer found

Postmaster Andy Warrington was looking to retire earlier in the year from Horwich End Post Office but the sale fell through and it looked like the service would be closing for good at the end of October.

Andy, who has been in the role for ten years, said: “We have someone taking over the Post Office.

“We will close on Friday October, 30 and the new owners will hopefully, after transfers, start on November 2 or 3.”

High Peak Borough Councillor Ruth George for Whaley Bridge and Blackbrook said: “This is fantastic news that we have a new Post Office provider after Andy and Cilla retire.

“Thank you so much to them both for holding on to the Post Office until a new buyer could be found, and for all you’ve done for Whaley Bridge.”

Andy and Cilla announced they wanted to retire back in April of this year and gave their three months notice.

They said at the time: “It is with sadness that we are doing this but our time running the post office has come to an end and we are looking forward to a busy retirement.”

In May they had accepted an offer on the shop meaning it would stay open.

However, in September it was revealed that due a breakdown of the sale there was no buyer and the duo were taking their retirement as planned from the end of October.

When this was announced David Woodhead, retail change lead for the Post Office, said they were ‘working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum’ and they were currently investigating the options ‘to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community’.

He said: “In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.”

Now it seems that the right person has been found and the service will continue from early November.

The news that Horwich End will be staying open has been well received by the community with people saying this is ‘fantastic news’ and many wishing Andy and CIlla and happy and relaxing retirement