Customers say they hope services continue from a well-used Post Office after uncertainty was cast over the future of the building which houses the business. A 'for sale' sign has appeared outside the Post Office in Ambergate Road, Beechdale.
A Rightmove listing inviting interest from investors describes it as an opportunity to buy "a semi-commercial property". The freehold of the building, which includes a flat above, is being marketed for £205,000 on the leading property website.
The listing describes it as being a "perfect addition" to "an investment portfolio or a self-run business". But Post Officials said that the business was unaffected by the listing.
They also said the shop would remain open and it was just the flat and space above that was for sale. Described as ‘handy and convenient’ for people in the area, shoppers were left confused and worried about the situation.
They hope the Post Office continues to run and locals said they would be upset in the event of change. Jane Needham, 45, who is unemployed due to illness and lives in the area, explained she and her husband used the Post Office a lot.
She said: “The Post Office is just so handy and convenient. If it was to go, a lot of people wouldn’t take it well, I did get worried when I saw the 'for sale' sign. They’re selling flags for the jubilee at the moment and they have cards in there.
"And, for me to pay bills, it’s great, I don’t have to go far. If it wasn’t a Post Office, I don’t really know what I’d want to see in the area, there’s already shops next to it, I couldn't imagine it being anything else but a Post Office."
Retired John Sutherland, who is 82 and lives in Beechdale, also uses the Post Office on a regular basis. He said: “I go in there all the time to buy stamps and pay my bills. The staff there are friendly, too. I like the area, I’d like to see the community centre open more, it’s a good meeting place for locals.”
Retired Arthur Jones, who is 68 and from Beechdale, near Bilborough, added people would be upset if the Post Office was sold. He said: “My son usually helps me with online banking but many people do use this Post Office. You see people go in with parcels quite a lot of time."
Mr Jones continued and said: "I like the area. It’s lovely and quiet. Most people are pleasant and will greet you even if they don’t know you and I think we have everything here.”
Chelsea Owen, a 33-year-old receptionist from Beechdale, said: “I don’t really go that often but places need Post Offices. I live on the other side of Beechdale but the area could do with a party shop that sells decorations, that would be helpful rather than having to go elsewhere. I have two boys and we like to decorate the place for birthdays and for Christmas.”
The property is being sold by UK Property Auctions. A three bedroom flat is situated above with a bathroom. A description on the Rightmove listing reads: "This property boasts investors with a recent extension to the Post Office.
"Sitting in a prime location with dense customer loyalty and surrounding schools and amenities, it is generating a £4,000 weekly income from the shop and a lot more from the Post Office with potential to achieve more, making this the perfect addition to an investment portfolio or a self-run business."
