Press release —
Jonathan Reynolds MP cuts the ribbon to mark opening of Stalybridge Post Office at new premises with popular postmistress
- Jonathan Reynolds MP performs official opening
- Stalybridge Post Office now at Ground Floor, The Hayloft
- Beautiful, refurbished premises in landmark building
- Stalybridge Postmistress, Brenda Brooks, remains at the helm
Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Stalybridge and Hyde and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, “cut the ribbon” today to mark the official opening of Stalybridge Post Office in an iconic building in the heart of the town.
Stalybridge Post Office is now at the Ground Floor, The Hayloft, Dean Street, Stalybridge, SK15 2JD. This was a big investment by popular postmistress Brenda Brooks, including a major refurbishment of the empty premises, store fit out, new frontage and making a level access.
The long-serving postmistress took the opportunity to move to these smart premises in a converted hayloft as the lease was expiring on premises around the corner in Trinity Street.
Jonathan Reynolds MP said: "I've known Brenda Brooks for many years through her outstanding service to the community as Stalybridge’s postmistress, so it's a real pleasure to officially open these fantastic new premises. The Post Office is an important part of town life, and it's great to see this valued local service begin this new chapter in the Hayloft."
Stalybridge Postmistress, Brenda Brooks, said: “I have worked in a number of different Post Offices across the North West since the age of 16 as a clerk or a manager, often providing temporary cover. When I got to Stalybridge 30 years ago, I was really happy and I decided that I wanted to then stay as the permanent postmistress.
“I’m 67, but I definitely don’t feel ready to retire, so instead I decided to invest in my business and to move to better premises for my loyal customers and staff, who have been here a long time and new recruits, as well as offering opportunities for people with special needs, who welcome the opportunity to work.”
Vicki Patching, Post Office Independent Partnership Lead, said: “Brenda is a first-class postmistress, who is cherished in this community for all that she has done for this Tameside town for 30 years.
“Brenda is an absolutely inspiring postmaster who truly cares about the customers that she serves and her staff which motivated her to move to better premises. This modern relocated shop looks marvellous and Brenda and her team provide a warm welcome, which make people want to come back time and time again.
“After more than 50 years serving Post Office customers, Brenda is still passionate about providing great service and two years ago. Brenda is a great businesswoman who also took on Stalybridge Banking Hub to provide everyday banking needs and where representatives from the major banks can have face-to-face meetings with customers on allocated days.”
Stalybridge Post Office continues to offer the same wide range of services and is one of the top performing branches for passport renewal and very high achieving branch for foreign currency.
There are four serving positions in total; two screened and two Post Office serving points at the retail counter. Stalybridge continue to have stationery on the retail side.
Brenda has created a dedicated parcel posting area of the branch solely for the growing parcel market where people can take their home shopping returns and other pre-paid items and to collect packages. It is in a separate from the main counters and is designed with a very large storage area to separate out outgoing and incoming mail for the different carriers that they offer – DPD, Evri, Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, Parcelforce.
There are several options for nearby parking including outside the new premises, by the previous location or three-hour free parking Tesco.
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About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
