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Broughton-in-Furness lost its Post Office and shop in June this year following the retirement of its resident postmaster yet locals have since been campaigning to take on some of the burden themselves.
Broughton Community Services CIC was subsequently set up in the hope that a community-run initiative can be in place at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at Broughton Square from later this year.
Michelle Scrogham, the MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “I’m pleased to say that progress on the new branch is moving in the right direction.
“While the final details are still being worked through, the necessary steps are underway to establish this important service for Broughton.”
Following the closure of the original Post Office, the post box was sealed and a replacement is currently planned to be put on Station Road.
However, locals have raised issues about the safety and the accessibility of the spot, with the CIC campaigning for it to be moved to the TIC so that it can be ‘more visible and convenient’.
“While I welcome Royal Mail’s confirmation that a replacement is due to be installed, I have serious concerns about the planned site on Station Road,” Mrs Scrogham added.
“This is due to safety and accessibility issues raised by residents, especially during auction days when the area becomes congested.
“I’ve written again to Royal Mail’s senior team to urge them to reconsider the placement and instead put the post box outside the TIC.”
Annette Carmichael, who helped keep the Post Office open 10 years ago, is now putting her effort into this latest fight.
She commented: “I have been campaigning on this issue since July and have drafted the four letters Broughton Community Services CIC has sent to Royal Mail.
“I have also organised and sent a petition, as well as asking Michelle Scrogham, Duddon Parish Council and the District Councillor for High Furness to write letters raising our concerns about the safety of the proposed site.
“Over 100 residents signed the petition to site the replacement post box on The Square.”
The Royal Mail has since confirmed that it is aware of the campaign and will be considering the arguments put forward.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the concerns raised about the proposed location of the new post box in Broughton.
“We will certainly take these into account and will be responding directly to the Member of Parliament.”
A fundraising page to support the development of Broughton Community Services CIC and the new Post Office can be found here.
