New location and extended opening hours for Westwoodside Post Office

The branch is set to close its doors for the final time at its current location in Brethergate on Tuesday, January 26.

It will be reopened at its new location in Newbigg on Wednesday, January 27, and bosses are promising an improved customer service.

Suzanne Richardson, regional manager for the Post Office, said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

She added: “We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future.

“The investment marks a commitment to no more branch closure programme.”

The new post office opening hours will increase by an extra 41 hours a week and is now open seven days a week:- Monday to Saturday between 6am and 9pm and Sunday from 7am to 8pm.

The new layout of the store will include an open-plan combination counter where the post office terminal will sit alongside the retail till.

All staff will be trained to meet post office professional standards for security and service.

There will be a hearing loop at the counter and adequate space provided for customers using a wheelchair to move around the store.

Services available includes mail with special delivery, local collect, home shopping, making online banking cash deposits and withdrawals, plus sending funds abroad using Moneygram.