HATHERLEIGH’S historic post office will be closing next Tuesday (September 13) but the service will resume the next day inside a local newsagents.

It’s the end of an era for the post office, which has been active on Market Street since 1927 but its new location will be just 100 yards away in Bridge Street.

As of Wednesday, September 14 the branch will be situated inside of Lang and Taylor Papershop Ltd.

Post Office HQ has announced that the new branch will allow for opening hours to increase to 70 hours a week offering an extra 24 hours of post office services every week, including Sunday mornings and Saturday afternoons.

Post office products and services will be provided from a low-screened service point integrated into the retail counter.

The 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.

Post office regional manager Will Russell 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.

‘We are working closely with the new operator on the internal layout. Some fixtures and fittings will be re-aligned or removed for clear access into the premises. Aisles and the queuing area will be kept free from obstructions and adequate room will be provided for customers and a wheelchair to move around the shop and access post office services without difficulty.’

However, some residents have expressed concerns about issues such as parking. The current branch on Market Street has parking spaces directly outside, whereas the new post office will not.

Former post office owner Isabel Conner said: ‘I am gutted that the post office is shutting down as the branch on Market Street has been such a big part of my life.

‘My grandfather first bought the post office for just £500 back in 1927. It was then run by my mother and father from 1954 until my mother died suddenly in 1970. After that myself and my husband ran the post office until we sold it in the 90s.

‘I was born and raised in the post office and will be sad to say goodbye.’

Hatherleigh residents can find out more and give their views by emailing [email protected] or by visiting www.postofficeviews.co.uk and entering branch code 38651999.