Future of under threat facility secured after Burntwood Post Office is listed as an Asset of Community Value

A fight to save a Burntwood Post Office has been won.

The Sankey’s Corner facility had been subject to a planning application in a bid to convert it into a dental surgery.

Locals – who have also seen the closure of banks in the shopping area – said they were concerned about the move, while Labour councillor Darren Ennis even launched a bid to buy the business in a bid to save it.

But the ownership has now transferred along with the Post Office facility, while the site has now been designated as an Asset of Community Value.

Cllr Diane Evans, leader of the Labour opposition group on Burntwood Town Council, said: “As the Post Office is so important to the local community, the Labour councillors felt it necessary to ask Lichfield District Council to nominate it so that it cannot be sold for any other purpose.

“This was successfully achieved so the Asset of Community Value remains in place for up to five years and even then, if owners decide to sell, the council must be notified and there will be the opportunity to purchase it as a Post Office.”

Cllr Sharon Banevicius added that locals needed to support the facility in order to ensure it remains a viable proposition.

“People have been very concerned about the possible loss of the Post Office at Sankey’s Corner, especially as we have lost our banks, so this is good news for our town and we wish the new owners and postmaster every success,” she said.

“I think the message to local people is that we must use the Post Office so that it remains viable for the future.”