Community and council unite to save post office

"VITAL" post office in a Northumberland town has been saved from closure thanks to the combined efforts of the county council and a local community trust.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail]

The property in Wooler was put up for sale along with the adjoining upstairs flat last September, but the Glendale Gate Trust has now stepped in to purchase both the shop and the flat.

The flat will be made available for rent at an affordable rate thanks to a £100,000 grant from Northumberland County Council. Separate funding from generous local residents, nearby Barnmoor Windfarm and Wooler Parish Council allowed the trust to purchase the post office itself, allowing it to remain open. The post office is used by up to 800 customers every week, which the council says demonstrates how “valuable” the service is to the Glendale Community.