Little Altcar Post office now relocated

The Little Altcar Post Office on Liverpool Road in Formby, closed it's doors on Tuesday for the final time. Yesterday, it re-opened INSIDE Bargain Booze on the same row of shops.

The new move means that the Post Office services will be available seven days a week with extended opening hours that will match the opening hours of the Bargain Booze. Monday to Saturday from 9am until 10pm and from 12noon until 10pm on a Sunday.

Suzanne Richardson, Post Office Area Manager, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Formby and we are confident that this new, modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future."

She added: “This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

After 20 years as Sub Post Master, Billy Wright says a heartfelt goodbye to his loyal customers...

"On 3rd June 1996 I, along with my late wife Denise, took over the running of Little Altcar Post Office. Its been an incredible happy 20 years and its with a heavy heart that I have decided to relinquish the role of sub post master; this is due to the many bureaucratic changes within the organisation.

I wish to thank all my loyal and lovely customers for their support over the years; it's been a real pleasure. Being at the hub of the local community, always trying to serve and assist with a warm welcome and friendly smile.

For many customers, the Post Office is their one and only contact with people in the week. It has been very rewarding, no two customers are ever the same; making it most enjoyable.

Many customers over the years have become good friends, we have shared their highs and lows and watched their families grow.The lollipops & dog chews being a big favourite. Plus the countless conversations; politics, horses; tips for the National and more often than not football; blues v reds. In particular I would like to mention Barry Devonshire, a regular customer regarding Justice for the Hillsborough 96. Seeing their struggle and being part of many discussions over the years; the eventual justice was truly deserved and I'm so pleased for them all.

The plan was to only stay for 3/5 years - so I think it's apparent how enjoyable it has been, it's been a blast and I'll miss it. But I feel it's now time to move on to pastures new. Many post offices are struggling with their own identity on the high street due to modern technology and changing habits hence why this post office is moving to Bargain Booze, a few doors down. The added bonus' are that the opening hours will be extended by over 40 hours a week. I wish Rob and his staff the best of luck in the future and for the public to continue supporting their local shops as if not they will become a thing of the past".

By Billy Wright

The Post Office closed at its present location on Tuesday 12th July at 5:30pm and opened at the new location in Bargain Booze in the same row of shops, on Wednesday 13th July at 1pm. The Post Office ask that you accept their apologies for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.

A sign outside the shop displays a message from Postmaster Billy:

"To all my loyal customers.

A huge thank you for your custom & support over the last 20 years. It's been a pleasure & much appreciated. With good wishes.

Bye for now."

Billy

Good Luck Billy, you have served Formby well and you will be missed.