Shropshire Star

Village post office celebrates new premises

A village's post office has moved to new premises - nine months after bosses initially vetoed the plan.

Published

Pontesbury Post Office has opened inside the Connections shop on Shrewsbury Road having moved from its old base in Main Road.

It comes after Post Office bosses initially blocked the move in January, potentially putting the future of the branch in doubt after postmaster Brian Simmonds said he was planning to retire. But four months later they had a change of heart after appeals were made by Mr Kawczynski and villagers and fresh proposals for parking and pedestrian access were drawn up.

The ribbon was cut to mark the opening by Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski at a ceremony yesterday.

The new branch includes two serving points and opening hours have been increased. The branch will be available between 9am and 5.30pm on weekdays and until 5pm on Saturdays.

Postmaster Louise Summers, who has taken on the running of the branch from Brian and Jen Simmonds, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming customers to our newly modernised branch.

"I am very pleased to be officially launching it for the community. I hope our customers like their new post office.

"I'd like to thank Daniel Kawczynski for taking time from his busy schedule to come here and for his involvement in getting the branch relocated. I would also like to thank the local community for their continued support and use of the branch.

"The open-plan counter makes it easier for customers and staff to talk, and the extra opening hours on Saturday afternoon make it more convenient."

Mr Kawczynski said: "I was delighted to formally open the new style Pontesbury Post Office.

"The Post Office plays a vital role in the community, for residents and small businesses alike. I'm sure everyone will welcome the new look branch and longer opening hours."

Richard Lynds, Post Office senior stakeholder manager, said: "We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents around Pontesbury and I am confident this new modern Post Office will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

"This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes."

At the time of the U-turn by Post Office chiefs, Mr Lynds had said new information had been put forward after the initial decision not to move the branch had been made.

It was announced earlier this year that outreach services in Marton, Stiperstones and Wentnor - all under the jurisdiction of the postmaster at Pontesbury - would be preserved.

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