Tideswell villagers push Post Office to “sit up” and listen over new outlet

Village leaders say the cash-strapped Post Office will only consider a new outlet if convinced “there would be sufficient use by residents, businesses and visitors”.

The village - the largest in the Peak District with a population of over 1,700 - now finds itself without a post office for “the first time in modern history”.

A prospective new operator - Denise Dupont-Higgins - had been in negotiations with the Post Office - to house the centre at a large space at the back of her business - H&D Exotic Teas.

However when the pandemic struck in March the company put all new facilities on-hold.

Alan Page, editor of 26-year-old community magazine Village Voice, told how Tideswell had been the only post office source for 12 surrounding villages before its closure.

And a “high percentage” of residents were aged 70, many of whom “don’t have cars or the inclination to get on the 65 bus to Litton” - where the nearest post office is located.

Alan said: “People from the smaller villages gravitate here for their bits of shopping or for a coffee or a pint of beer - we have a business park here along with many retailers.

“We have a huge influx of visitors all-year-round including bikers and hikers who use what must be more than a hundred holiday lets plus the B&Bs and a hotel - it’s a busy place.

“This is a vital hub in this busy rural setting - made more so by the fact that the nearest bank is six miles away.”

Alan told how it was understood budgets were once again becoming available at the Post Office however he added the company had “indicated” it would have to be convinced there was a need in Tideswell.

A petition in support of the new post office has so far attracted over 450 signatures - with Alan adding: “If we can get to 2,000 signatures I think the Post Office will sit up and take note.”

You can sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/the-post-office-tideswell-in-the-peak-district-needs-a-post-office.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We know how important a post office is to a community. We are working hard to restore the service as soon as possible.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.