A NEW Post Office is to open in Whitefield.

The post office branch will open its doors in Albert Place, off Ribble Drive, on March 4 with a grand opening attended by the Mayor of Bury.

Among the services offered at the new post office are inland and international mail services, banking services, bill payments, free cash withdrawals and home shopping returns. It also has free parking and wheelchair accessibility.

The post office will be a welcome addition to the area’s amenities and comes almost 15 years after Besses o’ th’ Barn’s last post office closed down following its owner’s retirement.

Whitefield’s new branch will share its home with the Whitefield Pharmacy and Nisa convenience store which opened in October last year.

Sukbinder Dosanjh, the owner of Whitefield Pharmacy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity because we have already got a one stop shop and a pharmacy.

"The public have been crying out for a post office and there has been a fantastic response to the news from our patients at the pharmacy.

“There is a higher than average number of elderly people who live alone and young families who live in this area so this is vital.

"People will now be able to do all their banking and make payments without having to travel as the nearest is currently over a mile away.”

The post office has also been welcomed by ward councillors.

Councillor Andrea Simpson said:”I am delighted that Whitefield Pharmacy have made the decision to open a post office counter within their premises, making post office services more accessible and available to the people of Besses, especially residents on Hillock Estate who might struggle to get public transport to other parts of the area, due to the current poor service residents experience.

“Councillors and residents encouraged Whitefield Pharmacy to make this next step in making this innovative pharmacy into a real community hub where people can access healthcare, post office services and groceries at the same time.

“This is a real step forward for Whitefield Pharmacy becoming a integral part of our community. Well done Whitefield Pharmacy.”

Provisional opening times for the post office branch are 8am to 7.30pm from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.