A South Cumbrian town’s community post office has been officially opened.
Broughton-in-Furness’ previous Post Office closed in June and the town was facing having no service at all.
But a group of residents stepped up and formed Broughton Community Services CIC.
The community interest company was set up to run a post office, community shop and visitor information service on a not-for-profit basis at the tourist information centre on The Square.
After months of fundraising and completing a comprehensive application process with Post Office Ltd, Broughton Community Services was awarded a contract to run a post office counter service.
It was officially opened yesterday, Tuesday December 9.
Post Office and shop manager Siobhan Rawlins cut the ribbon across the post office counter to cheers from a crowd of onlookers and music from Holborn Hill Royal Brass Band.
Attending the ceremony from Post Office Ltd were area manager Carol Lister and on-site trainer Esher Denwood.
Broughton Community Services CIC was represented by directors Andrew Gittins and Jackie Lancaster.
Retired vet Rick Browne was first in the queue at the post office counter.
He said: “People have really missed not having a post office. It’ll make a big difference to be able to take cash out and post parcels again right here in town.”
Early support from local company CGP was crucial to the project’s success.
Its chairman Richard Parsons said: “CGP is based in Broughton, and we’ve always chipped in to support life here when we can. We were pleased to help with the funding for the new community Post Office, as we know how important the service is for the locals.
“It’s great to see the Post Office up and running in time for Christmas – we wish them all the best with it.”#
Broughton Community Services CIC’s business development manager Annette Carmichael, who headed up the fundraising drive, added: “It is wonderful how the community came together to help us raise the necessary money.
“People gave donations in a variety of ways – ranging from our online CrowdFunder page to donation boxes in Broughton’s pubs, shops and cafes. Jars of jam and teas and cake were sold, a film and curry evening held and a talk given on the town hall and clock.
“As well as funding received from CGP towards the cost of the post office fit-out, the Parish Pump – Broughton’s local newsletter – donated towards initial costs, Kirkby
Moor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund made a grant towards initial expenses such as the training of our shop volunteers while Fibrus, through their Hyperfast Cumbria Connections Fund, covered the cost of one of our employees attending post office training in Warrington.
“All in all, it’s taken a lot of effort to get to this day – and it certainly couldn’t have been achieved without such wonderful support from so many people and
organisations.”
