Latest news with #JoPlatt
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Greater Manchester Post Office under threat of closure WILL continue to operate
A Greater Manchester Post Office under threat of closure could transfer to a 'franchise model' and will operate under new owners, following an announcement today (June 4). Last year, it was revealed that the Leigh branch was one of eight in Greater Manchester at risk of closure. The news came after bosses announced that they were looking to offload 115 directly-owned Crown Post Offices in the 11,500 branch network as part of a big shake up. READ MORE: Missing Brit Greg Monks who disappeared after Portugal stag do found dead READ MORE: LIVE: Major road taped off as man fighting for life after horror crash - updates The centres chosen were set to be transferred to retail partners or postmasters, or closed for good. But on Wednesday (June 4), MP Jo Platt took to social media to tell constituents that the Silk Street branch will continue operating at its current location while 'long-term arrangements' are being finalised. She also wrote that should a new site be proposed, then the move won't occur before spring 2026, and any proposal would be subject to a public consultation. In the lengthy post, Jo introduced locals to new postmaster, Mikesh Parekh, who has over 15 years in the industry and operates nine Post Office branches in and around Greater Manchester. Jo Platt's full statement reads: "Many of you might remember that at the end of last year I launched a petition to save Leigh Post Office on Silk Street after concerns were raised about the future of our town centre branch. I want to thank everyone who has signed, shared and supported that campaign so far - it really has made a difference. "Today, I can share an update from the Post Office. They've confirmed that while the branch will move from direct management to a franchise model, it will continue operating from its current location in the near term, while they finalise long-term arrangements for the branch. "In the event of a new site being proposed, any move to a new location is unlikely to be before spring 2026 and would be subject to local public consultation. "It will be operated by the franchisee First Class Retail, under Mikesh Parekh, with customers being able to access the same products and services with the same opening hours. "They will be working with First Class Retail over the remainder of this financial year to review the right long-term premises for the branch, which will either be at the existing site or a new site nearby. Postmaster Mikesh Parekh from Firstclass Retail operates nine Post Office branches in and around Greater Manchester, the majority of which are larger, Mains-style branches. With over fifteen years of experience as a postmaster, Mikesh has a wealth of experience in running post offices at the heart of communities. "Being a postmaster runs in the family, with Mikesh having learned from his father at his branch in Oldham, who himself was a postmaster for fifteen years. "When the proposals for the permanent branch are ready, the Post Office will share the full details and engage with customers and stakeholders. If the proposal includes a relocation of the branch, they will hold a six-week public consultation with the local community. "In the meantime, please do continue to support the Leigh Post Office on Silk Street, by using its services."
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Outrage' after dead cockroaches and wasps found in hospital waiting room
A hospital visitor discovered dead cockroaches and insects in a waiting room. Images show insects - including cockroaches and wasps - lining a plastic information display case in a waiting room at Wigan Infirmary. The hospital trust admitted 'managing an ageing NHS estate is always a challenge' and that it 'actively engages with an external pest control' to 'support standards of cleanliness'. Bosses insist it was an 'isolated case' and that 'immediate action was taken' after staff were alerted. The trust highlighted that it was recently named as the cleanest acute trust in the UK for the second year in a row. READ MORE: LIVE: Cordon in place after body found near Manchester city centre - updates READ MORE: Police rush to Greater Manchester school following reports of an 'intruder' Peter Barlow, from Leigh, wrote to his MP Jo Platt, saying: "I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage regarding the shocking state of hygiene at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Specifically, at the out-of-hours GP service at Wigan Infirmary, which also serves as the vascular studies waiting room, I have witnessed an unacceptable level of cleanliness, including cockroaches and other insects in an information tray. "This is absolutely disgraceful and raises serious questions about infection control and patient safety. Such conditions are entirely unacceptable in any healthcare setting, let alone a hospital in the UK. It is clear that this issue has been ongoing, as these pests appear to have been present for some time." Mr Barlow called on the MP to take action, adding: "I urge you to take immediate action and hold the relevant authorities accountable for this failure. Patients and staff deserve a clean and safe environment. "It is unacceptable that conditions in our NHS hospitals have deteriorated to this extent. I would appreciate an update on what steps will be taken to address this issue and prevent such neglect in the future." A spokesperson for Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) said: 'Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust would like to reassure our patients and the public that environmental hygiene across all our sites is taken very seriously. Managing an ageing NHS estate is always a challenge and WWL actively engages with an external pest controlmanagement contractor to support the standards of cleanliness throughout its sites. "Once we were made aware of this isolated case, immediate action was taken, and the area will continue to be actively managed moving forward. We are very proud that WWL was recently named as the cleanest acute trust in the UK for the second year in the Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) assessments, with our sites showing a consistent improvement in the environmental services we provide within our patient environment. 'At WWL, we welcome patient feedback and take every complaint very seriously so would encourage Mr Barlow to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service for support or a guided return visit to see that his concerns have been addressed and resolved.' MP Jo Platt responded to the incident, saying: "I was informed of this issue by a resident and my office has already reached out to PALS to formally raise this complaint. "I want to assure my constituents that I take these matters extremely seriously and am fully committed to taking swift and decisive action to ensure the highest standard of care is provided to every patient. I am encouraged that the trust has responded promptly and taken the necessary steps to resolve the issue."
