We are pleased to report that after a rather lengthy process New Hartley Community Services Ltd, the trading arm of New Hartley Community Association, has been officially endorsed by the Post Office as being a suitable organisation to act as the new Postmaster for New Hartley Post Office.
Now that this endorsement has been secured the directors of New Hartley Community Services (made up of Council and Community Association representatives) can finalise their negotiations with the existing Postmaster to complete the transfer of the post office business to the company. These negotiations are ongoing and both parties are working together to complete the sale as soon as is practicable.
Pictured above: John Barrell, Cllr. Susan Dungworth and Simon Potts
Once the new company has acquired the business it will be looking to establish a Community Café within the premises to run alongside the post office and will be seeking the support of volunteers to run the café side of the business – further information for potential volunteers will be available soon.
Some minor alterations will be required to the building to facilitate the operation of the café and we would appeal to any local builders out there who might be able to help with this work either by drawing up plans or completing the actual works within a limited budget.
The Council and the Community Association would once again like to thank the existing Postmaster, Steve Shotter and Susan Shaw, his post office assistant for their patience in this matter.
If you would like to express an interest in volunteering to help out in the café at this early stage or if you are a local builder who may be able to offer us your help, then please get in touch either Mr John Barrell at New Hartley Community Association or Cllr. Susan Dungworth who will be more than pleased to have a chat with you and take your details.
Mr Barrell’s and Cllr Dungworth’s contact details are as follows:
John Barrell: john.barrell@talktalk.net Tel: 0191 2375859
Cllr. Susan Dungworth: susan.dungworth@northumberland.gov.uk Tel: 0191 2375531