'This isn't just another shop, it's a lifeline'
Fears are growing one of the biggest towns in Greater Manchester will permanently lose its only post office following the closure of of a WHSmith branch.
The retailer has been home to the Post Office in Spindles Shopping Centre since 2019. But the future of the service now hangs in the balance, following the announcement it will be shutting down from May 3, 2025
MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton Jim McMahon has warned its loss would cause a ‘huge disruption’ and called for government support to help save the branch. He argued it was the service’s adoption by a private franchise that had ‘left it vulnerable’ to closure - and called for the return of a ‘standalone’ Post Office in the town centre.
He said: “The Post Office isn’t just another shop — it’s a vital public service. With bank branches closing at an alarming rate, many residents, particularly older people, rely on it for banking services. Local businesses, health and social care providers, and education workers need it for ID checks. Losing it would cause huge disruption.
“People in Oldham need a clear commitment that a Post Office will remain in the town centre. Public services shouldn’t be left on shaky ground, dependent on the fortunes of private businesses.”
Staff affected by the change are due to be offered jobs at other stores, according to Oldham Council. The town hall, which bought the Spindles shopping centre for £9.5m in 2019, claims there are ‘several inquiries’ from other shopping chains looking to take over the service.
Council leader Arooj Shah said: “We’re saddened to hear that WHSmith is planning to close its store in Spindles Shopping Centre, and unfortunately, the closure means the Post Office will be affected.
“The Council will continue