PLANS to convert a village church into a part-time Post Office have won a stamp of approval.

Goostrey Post Office faced an uncertain future following the death of former postmistress Margaret Kettle aged 100, in December 2022, and the property being put on the market.

An outreach office from Plumley had continued to use her shop on Main Road for postal services.

The Methodist church, only a few yards away, came to the rescue with an offer to use the vestry at the front of the church.

But the move, expected before last Christmas, was delayed because planning approval was needed for the introduction of a disabled ramp and steps and change of use of part of the building.

Now, only days after it was revealed that Margaret's property has been sold subject to contract, Cheshire East Council planners have given their blessing to the move.

READ > Knutsford market crystal business celebrates first anniversary

The post office provides postal services for four days and has also renamed Margaret's shop as the Village Stores, selling a limited amount of food, sweets, stationery and household items.

The decision has been welcomed by residents fearful the Post Office would shut.

The elderly and those without personal transport and only a twice weekly bus service would have difficulty travelling to Holmes Chapel to the nearest post office.

One resident said: "With all this gloom about the state of the country and the dreary winter it is great to have some good news.

"There used to be a bank in the village but that vanished years ago.

“Now the only banking facilities open for miles is the Nationwide at Sandbach so the Post Office is more important than ever for financial transactions and cash."

Goostrey Post Office said the move would take place as soon as the work at the Methodist Church was completed.

Meanwhile, normal postal services will continue at the existing premises on Main Road.