Jay Patel – A True Community Hero!

Posted By: Pat Colclough
Date Posted: 15/01/2009

During the summer of last year, Rochdale was faced with the possibility of Post Office closures. The Labour government had pushed through their closure programme and 2,500 Post Offices are set to close nationwide. Here, in our borough, we learnt that seven had been earmarked for closure; one of which was my local Post Office at Buersil.

After this devastating announcement, our Save Our Post Office campaign immediately stepped up another gear. Throughout the consultation period, local residents, ward colleagues and our MP Paul Rowen organised a variety of events which included a public meeting, thousands of signed petitions (which Paul Rowen MP presented to Parliament on behalf of Rochdale), protests at the town hall and even a barefoot march.

I write my first diary entry however in dedication to Buersil Post Master Jay Patel. If it wasn’t for his passion and drive, our campaign would have never have got off the ground. During the campaign, I was amazed at just how many people came up to me to talk about their individual experiences of Jay going that extra mile for them. Jay has served our community for many years and his commitment to our area has never wavered.

Later this month, Jay will be officially opening lower place Post Office again and I for one am delighted that he will continue to be serving our community, along with his hard working Post Office Manager Leanne Wild.

Jay you really are a true community hero.