Sadness as last valley post office shuts up shop

Nov 29 2008 by nick lavigueur, Hudd Sat

POST OFFICE staff at the axed Holmbridge branch marked the end of an era by inviting the first ever customer back for a final time.

The closure of the upper Holme Valley Post Office took place on November 13 despite it being nominated for the ‘Best Post Office in Britain’ award just two years ago.

The entire upper Holme Valley is now left without any post office services.

Trevor Bellamy, who runs the adjoining guest house and whose wife Donna was the sub-post mistress, remarked: “There’s been a post office at this end of the valley for as long as anyone can remember.

“Fortunately the shop is part of our premises so we can re-use that.”

Clr Bellamy, also the chairman of Holme Valley Parish Council, said the current plan for the vacant shop was to extend the guest house dining room.

PICTURE: Last person out turn the lights off... Kath Bellamy, sub post mistress and Donna Bellamy counter assistant and relief are seen locking the post office door for the last time.

(zzHUD171108Holmbridge) (S)