Plans in place to move Leeds village post office

Drighlington Post Office, in King Street, will relocate services to the nearby Londis shop.

Suzanne Richardson, regional manager at Post Office, could not confirm the date when the move will happen but said it was a “modernisation” and part of a “major investment programme”.

The shop will extend its opening hours by more than 70 hours-a-week under the plans.

She 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.

“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 new Post Office Local service will be provided from two open-plan positions in the shop, integrated into the main retail counter, rather than from a separate screened counter.

It will also be designed to official Post Office guidelines, to ensure thre is easy access and adequate space for wheelchair users inside.

All staff will be trained to the company’s professional standards in service and security, and there will be a hearing loop at the counter.

The shop is preparing to extend its opening hours to 6am-10pm, seven-days-a-week.

There will also be later closing and service on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons, as well as Sunday.

Services available at the new branch will include Special Delivery, Local Collect, home shopping returns.

Customers will also be able to make online banking cash deposits and withdrawals and send funds abroad using Moneygram.

There will be provision to pre-order travel money, apply for travel insurance and top up mobile phones.