A couple is hoping retirement does not mean the end for a Saddleworth village's post office.
Brian and Andjelka Hodgkinson are seeking new owners of Dobcross Post Office and Village Store, on Woods Lane.
The couple returned to the village five years ago to find that the business premises which form part of the building, owned by them since 1990, was to become vacant.
Despite spending several decades working as a Chartered Engineer internationally, and not looking forward to total retirement, Brian decided to take up the challenge of a complete career change and became the Dobcross Sub Post Master.
The Village Store reopened in April 2019 and the Post Office followed shortly afterwards.
Brian said: “The original intention was to operate for two years as a social experiment to ascertain whether or not Dobcross could support a viable business once more.
“But this time scale went out the window with the onset of Covid, and a year of exponential business growth followed."
He added: "At a time when pubs were shut and supermarket shopping became problematic due to social distancing and frequent shortages, Dobcross Village Store was able to provide most daily needs to the community due to the proximity to local producers/suppliers.
“During the pandemic, many Post Offices faced closures due to staff sickness, however, abiding by covid rules, we remained open.
“However, turnover during 2020/2021 was not representative of what could be achieved on a future regular basis, so we continued to trade for a further full year to see if a clearer picture would emerge.
“Now, having completed a third year trading followed by two months of a fourth year, our conclusion is business is now on a firm enough basis to be able to move forward with confidence.”
Later this year, Andjelka will be 74 and Brian will be celebrating his 80th birthday.
Brian said: “We feel we have the done our share for the community and deserve the opportunity to enjoy a bit of leisure time.
“It's our firm belief the Village Store and Post Office provide an essential aspect of village life and we would welcome enquiries from younger more dynamic like-minded people willing to take up the challenge.”
Potential buyers could take up an option to acquire the seven-bedroom residential property situated over the shop.
The Hodgkinson’s envisage a six-month timescale for the transfer which coincides with the notice period required by the Post Office.
Interested parties are invited to visit the premises for an informal chat regarding the possibilities and potential for business growth.
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