AN HISTORIC post office in Thelwall is to be preserved despite its transformation into a home.

The Bell Lane post office dates back at least 125 years and is regarded as a landmark at the heart of the village.

The office closed almost three years ago when long-serving postmaster Peter Greenaway hung up his postbag and the business was transferred to new premises in the village.

Now planning chiefs have agreed that the small cottage property can be converted into a home - if the new owner keeps the original exterior and signage.

Thelwall councillor Ted Lafferty said: "The old post office was always the focal point of the village with other historical buildings such as the Pickering Arms.

"It will be good to see the building being utilised after nearly three years but we want to see its exterior preserved to retain the character of the village," he said.

Local historian Joe Griffiths added: "The building itself dates back before the Victorian era but was probably turned into a post office around the mid-1800s.

"Not too much is known about its history but one pre-war postmaster did keep a talkative parrot in the shop which would abruptly remind customers to close the door," he said.

Councillors on the town's Development Control Committee agreed that the conversion was acceptable provided no changes occur to its external appearance, although Joe believes this might cause some confusion.

Added Joe: "The only problem with keeping the original signage is that people who don't know the village might get confused.

"Whoever lives there could find themselves being bothered for stamps and suchlike before having to direct people to the new post office," he said.

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