Post Office U-turn over Porthleven branch

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/14 ... en_branch/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

Post Office Ltd has performed a U-turn and agreed to include a separate counter for large money transfers when it redevelops the Porthleven branch.

The loss of the secure counter had been the biggest concern in talks about changes to the branch within Porthleven Convenience Store, as many residents and businesses use it as their only bank.

Now Post Office Ltd has agreed to include a full-screened counter for "ad-hoc use, for larger transactions" at the back of the store.

It has now officially confirmed that the changes will go ahead, which will see opening hours extended to 7.30am to 8pm, seven days a week - an increase of 41.5 hours.

A spokesperson said: "The branch will open significantly earlier and will close much later. This will make it more convenient for customers to visit."

There has been criticism from the port's Cornwall Councillor Andrew Wallis, however, who questioned how owners Paul and Sharon Edwards would staff this when their salary for running the post office was being taken away.

The new layout will feature the main open-plan counter alongside the shop till, on the right hand side of the shop as customers enter.

A Post Office Ltd spokesperson said: "The local style format is a more modern way of offering Post Office services, but it in no way compromises the professional service standards that customers rightly expect in all of our branches."

The branch will continue to offer the majority of the same services, although it will no longer be able to provide travel money or insurance on demand. However, it can pre-order Euros and make referrals for travel insurance.

The store had previously been expected to close on March 10 for redevelopment and and reopen four days later, but this is now unlikely to happen.

A Post Office Ltd spokesperson said the exact date for the work was not known, but it was likely to be some time in April.