Popular Oldham farm shop Albion facing liquidation as creditors meet

One of Saddleworth's most beloved local institutions is facing an uncertain future after Albion Farm Shop's parent company announced it's heading for liquidation. The Delph farm shop, which has been a community cornerstone for 17 years, has published a notice in The London Gazette setting up a creditors' meeting for April 23.

The farm shop, which boasts a 4.4-star rating from over 1,900 reviews and is described by customers as 'absolutely lovely', has been passed to Laura Hirst, the fifth-generation family member who runs it with her partner Jac and their two young sons. Laura has thanked her parents David and Annette for building the business that's become 'part of our community' despite the challenges.

The virtual meeting will decide whether to appoint a liquidator and potentially form a liquidation committee. This comes after the farm shop launched an online ordering service in January to boost sales and fought to keep its Turkey Shed venue open last year, which was ultimately saved after a council licensing battle.

The family-run business, incorporated in 2009 but with overdue accounts only made up to March 2024, has been a vital outlet for local and British producers while providing jobs in the community. Zane Collins from Rushtons Insolvency Limited has been appointed to handle the liquidation process, though the farm shop itself hasn't commented on the situation.