'This isn't about rich or poor... without this, we will suffer'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

It's a freezing afternoon in north Manchester. Despite the weather, Harpurhey shopping centre is bustling. A steady stream of people make their way down the steps of the Barnes Green Post Office, in its north west corner just off Rochdale Road, having popped in to post Christmas cards, pay bills or withdraw money.

One of them is Courtney Bailey. A resident in these parts for almost 15 years, 52 year-old Courtney is a regular visitor. He says he was stunned and disappointed to hear last week that - along with 100 others across the country - it is now at risk at closure. READ MORE: Exact locations of Greater Manchester Post Office closures Outside, a group of politicians and campaigners have gathered to protest against the proposals.

Courtney stops to sign a petition calling for Barnes Green to be 'saved'. "The Post Office is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Harpurhey community," Courtney says after handing back the pen he used to add his name to the growing number on the petition. "Without it we will suffer.

I have lived here for over 14 years and I have been using the Post Office to do every transaction I can think of. I use it every week.