Loss of sub-post office leads to store closure

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/ ... re_closure

INCREASED competition, the credit crunch and the Post Office’s decision to close its sub branch in a popular local shop on the outskirts of Shaw has led to its closure.

Buckstones Store, in Buckstones Road, which has provided local residents with an all-round service for the best part of 20 years, was forced to close its doors for the final time just before Christmas.

And its owner Andy Dewhurst said one of the reasons was the Post Office’s decision to withdraw the store’s sub-post office status as part of a round of cost-cutting measures last autumn.

Councillor Mark Alcock, who campaigned vigorously for local post office branches to be kept open, said the closure of the store would have a major impact on local people who now have to walk or use public transport to get to their nearest shops.

"It was a very sad day for the residents of Buckstones Road and the surrounding area," he said.

Mr Dewhurst said he first noticed a drop in trade when the Asda store opened in Shaw town centre in August 2007.

He added: "We are based in quite an affluent area and people would rather get into their cars and drive to Asda than go to the local shop. On top of that, a combination of losing the post office and the current financial climate proved too much for us. We have started to lose money and it’s just not viable to continue."

Mr Dewhurst, who ran the shop with his wife Jenny for the past six years, said despite their best efforts they could not keep the business going.

"When we had the really heavy snow at the beginning of December it was our best day for 12 months because people couldn’t use their cars. But it just goes to show what we were up against. Financially we would have been better closing at the end of September but we were determined to give it a go and see if we could pick the business back up. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be."

Four shop staff have now lost their jobs and even the Dewhursts face an uncertain future.

Mr Dewhurst said: "I’m not sure what we are going to do."

He said news of the store’s closure had brought a mixed reaction from customers, many of whom’s closest shop is a mile away at Wren’s Nest or in the town centre.

"We have had some very loyal customers who have supported us over the years and I would like to thank them for their custom."