A PROPOSAL to move the Catrine branch of The Post Office from its current location to a mini market with extended opening hours is being thrown open to the public.
Post Office local products and services available from an open-plan till at the retail counter that is open throughout shop opening hours, instead of from a screened counter.
The proposed new location for the branch is Gogy’s Mini Market, 22-30 St Germain Street - 10 metres away from the current site.
The Post Office is now inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the move in a six-week public consultation.
Should the move go ahead, the branch would open from 5.30am until 9pm between Monday and Saturday and 5.30am until 9pm on Sunday - 63 and a half hours a week more than are currently offered.
The proposed move is part of major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.
Councillor Neil McGhee said: “In terms of provisions there seems there will be a lot more. I don’t see any negative in that.
“However, what you do lose is customer association, people going in and having relationships with the previous staff, managers and owners.” Suzanne Richardson, Post Office Regional Manager, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Catrine and we are confident that this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.” She added: “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.” During the public consultation, The Post Office welcomes feedback on any issues customers would like considered before a final decision is taken on this proposal. The consultation will close on November 27. Submissions can be made during the consultation by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55.
Customers can also share their views online through the quick and easy questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 103843.
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