New post office to open

The previous branch based at Golden Cross Service Station closed in February when postmistress Maureen Tarry-Smith retired.

At the time Post Office Ltd said the closure was temporary.

But service station owner John Ryeland told the Express the closure was permanent.

Now a new location for the branch has been found at The Shop in Deanland Wood Park, a mile away from the service station.

Charles Hendry MP told the Express the news 'highlighted the whole absurdity of the closure programme.'

He said: 'I am very pleased for the local community and it is good we are going see something put back in locally.

'But the whole post office closure process has been rather absurd, closing one post office and opening another.'

The new post office will have a flat level entrance for customers with mobility problems.

Twenty car parking spaces with disabled bays will also be provided.

The branch will be open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

A Post Office spokesman said: 'We are delighted to have this opportunity to improve Golden Cross branch.

'We are confident that our loyal customers will welcome our plans.'