A popular postmistress who has been at the heart of a community for decades is retiring after nearly 40 years.
In the early 80s, Monica Jones, now 82, had been working abroad with her husband when the couple chose to return home and Monica decided to run her own business. In January 1984, Monica took on Burscough Town Post Office and shop at 16 Square Lane - and she's been there ever since.
Monica refurbished the site two years after acquiring it and through the decades has seen change in the business, the area and generations pass through the doors. Monica said: "When I first became Postmistress, Post Offices used to stock lots of forms.
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"I helped lots of people to get benefits that they didn’t realise that they were entitled to. I assisted customers to fill in the forms.
"That extra money that they got made a big difference to their lives. I was pleased to help."
In the early days of the business, Monica's son, James, was at college and worked at the shop part-time. Over the years, he has continued to work there on a part-time basis, alongside running a wedding car business.
Monica Jones has now been the Burscough Town postmistress for 39 years and 10 months. But two months short of reaching her 40 years’ milestone, Monica has decided that it is time to retire and a new owner will soon be taking over the branch.
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When Monica took over the site in the 80s, she didn't anticipate she would still be in the role decades later, but thanked all her long-standing customers for their support and well wishes for the future.
Monica said: "I never thought that I would be in the role for nearly four decades, but time ticked by and I have really enjoyed myself. The best thing about being a postmistress is the people that you come into contact with.
"I have got to know my customers so well – they are like extended family. People who came in as children now come in with children of their own.
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"Customers are sad that I am retiring, but they accept that it is time to take things easier. They are very pleased that there are new owners, who are lovely, kind and hard-working."
Post Office Area Manager, Paul Halligan, added: "Monica is a lovely lady, who is very popular with her customers. I want to thank her for her long and loyal service to this community and I wish her a very well-earned retirement."
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