The return of a post office to a Bury St Edmunds community after a three-year absence has been hailed as “fantastic”.
The Post Office has announced plans to reopen the Glastonbury Road store seven-days-a-week at a new location next month.
The new post office – at Horringer Court Store – will open on July 31, with a wide range of services available including personal and business banking for customers.
The previous branch, at 14 Glastonbury Road, closed in October 2015 following the resignation of the postmaster, and the Post Office says it is now in a position to restore a service to customers in the local community.
Richard Rout, county, borough and town councillor, who represents Westgate ward, said: “It’s fantastic.
“It has been some time since local people have had this facility on their doorsteps and along with all the economic benefits, it’s a real point of contact for people.
“I put it on Facebook in the Horringer Court Residents Association group and have had nothing but positive comments.
“Post offices have a real social benefit and act as a social hub for communities. It’s that ‘haven’t seen you here in a few days’ sort of thing.
“We’re really pleased and wish them every success in the future.”
The post office will have a modern retail environment and provide 106 and a half hours of service a week, opening from Monday to Friday from 7am-10.30pm, Saturdays from 7.30am-10.30pm, and Sundays from 8am-10pm.
A spokesman for the Post Office said: “It would be one of our new local style branches where Post Office services would be delivered from an open-plan till alongside the retail counter.”
The Post Office is now inviting customers and interested parties to give their views on the proposals.
The company is welcoming feedback on any issues customers would like considered on the plans by holding a consultation.
Customers can share their views during the consultation online at www.postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 070112.
The consultation will close on August 7.
Submissions can also be made via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk or by post to Freepost Your Comments, or by telephone 03452 660115 or Textphone 03457 223355.
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