Address change for Weymouth post office

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WEYMOUTH’S central post office will be downsizing to smaller premises, it has been confirmed.

Bosses say the switch to a newly refurbished shop in the same street 200 yards away will happen after Christmas. Although smaller, the branch will be modernised and open for longer.

The current site in St Thomas Street is a Grade II listed building and has been used as a post office for decades.

Discussions will now take place about its future use.

A move to ‘modernise’ the branch was announced in October.


The Post Office launched a consultation to see what customers thought and now says the move will go ahead in mid January. All current staff will move with the branch.

Borough councillor Ray Banham had initially raised concerns about the move because he didn’t think the new premises would be big enough.

Coun Banham said: “I have since spoken to a number of people about the change.

“I understand staff are keen to move and feel the relocation is a good thing.

“I’ve also spoken to postmen who have concerns about picking up the mail from the new branch.

“Customers tell me they have concerns about queues but we have more or less been guaranteed that the queues at the new place will not happen as seven counters will be open.”

He added: “My only concern now is what will happen to the building that is left. We can only hope someone will come in and make good use of it.”

Andy Rook, secretary of the Dorset branch of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) representing postal workers, said concerns about health and safety issues over access to the new branch had been raised by local members, but these concerns had been addressed.

President of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Anna-Maria Geare said there was a ‘great opportunity for inward investment’ when the post office site becomes vacant and she is looking forward to seeing plans for its future use.

A Post Office spokesman would not comment about what will happen to the old building.

She also couldn’t confirm whether murals painted by Dorset artist Michael Bowman which adorn the walls of the post office would move with the branch.

But the spokesman did say: “We received a small number of comments from customers and local representatives during the consultation.

“The main feedback centred on concerns that there may not be enough space in the proposed premises. We also received a number of comments in support.

“The new premises will be totally refurbished and fitted out to a high specification, ensuring there is adequate space and that the counter is easily accessible for people with mobility constraints.

“There will be seven counter positions, which will be a mixture of traditional security screened and open plan style positions.

“The number of positions are based on current business levels, so we are confident that they will adequately cope with demand.”



THE new Weymouth Post Office will be 87 St Thomas Street, next to the Ming Wah restaurant.

Customers will benefit from opening hours being extended by an extra five-and-a-half hours a week.

The new opening hours will be 8:30am-5.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am-5.30pm on Friday and Saturday.

Post Office regional network manager for West of England Tony Jones said: “We understand how important having a post office is to residents and we are confident that this new modern post office will meet the needs of the community.”