A Post Office in Southport has been named as a finalist in a major awards ceremony, with the Postmaster praised for his role in helping the local community throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Bispham Road Post Office in High Park was honoured as a finalist in the Community Engagement category at the Post Office’s ‘We’re Stronger Together’ regional awards for the North West and North Wales region.
The awards recognise the efforts made by postmasters across the region to keep branches open during the Covid-19 pandemic and serving their local community.
The great work by Postmaster David Hartley, who runs Bispham Road Post Office, was highlighted by Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read.
Postmasters who operate branches in the North West and North Wales region had the opportunity to share their experience of running their branch during the pandemic and hear directly about the Post Office’s future growth strategy.
Post Office Area Manager Victoria Patching, said: “Postmaster David at Bispham Road Post Office has been nominated for our Community Engagement award for going above and beyond for his local community.
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“David has kept his Post Office open entirely during the pandemic, while working tirelessly with the Rotary Club to fund charitable donations.
“David always puts his community first, he recently wrote to Nick Read asking for help with vulnerable children and providing laptops to help with their education during lockdown.
“David and Bispham Road Post Office continually go above and beyond for their community.”
David Hartley said: “I was delighted with the nomination, my connection with Rotary plays a big part. My current role in Rotary as District Governor will play a huge part in my life over the next 12 months. My thanks must go to my Area Manager Vicki Patching for the nomination.”
Postmaster David Hartley, who runs Bispham Road Post Office in High Park in Southport
Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office, said: “I have heard many inspiring stories of postmasters going the extra mile and I have welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how postmasters in the North West and North Wales have fared during the pandemic including Bispham Road.
“All retailers have been affected and the Post Office was no exception. The next few weeks and months will be a critical period as we try and return to a sense of normality. Post Office branches have a vital role to play in supporting their customers and communities, as well as helping small businesses and independent retailers get back on their feet.”
Postmasters heard more about three areas of their business that could help them recover some of the lost trade as a result of the pandemic – Mails and Parcels, banking – cash withdrawals and deposits, and the return in demand for foreign exchange.
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