JUST a year after opening, Gainford Post Office is to close.
Post mistress Dianne Crossley has confirmed the branch will shut on Friday, January 31. Ms Crossley had worked alongside the former post mistress for five years at the old village post office before it closed in July 2018. But she mounted a campaign and created petition to reopen the service for Gainford.
After transforming a former nursery building in the grounds of St Osmund’s church, in Main Road, the new branch opened last January with high hopes.
As well as running the post office, Ms Crossley used part of the premises as a shop, internet cafe and ran craft sessions to boost takings and footfall. Explaining the reasons behind the closure, she said: “I need to be taking a lot more on the retail side of things to make it work, even though the post office is doing well.
“I’ve spoke to NISA and they would need £2,000 of sale per week, it’s just not possible to sustain this office, but at least I tried.”
The news has been met with sadness from residents who have thanked Ms Crossley for her efforts in trying to keep the postal service in Gainford.
Villager David Pullan described it as a “gallant effort”. [It’s] a shame that the Post Office does not support smaller rural offices.”
Another resident, Glynis Alder, said: “Diane went over and beyond what any of us would or could have done to keep this service alive in Gainford and deserves some really good karma now for all her hard work and commitment.”
