Finedon Post Office will be re-located despite opposition from customers

The Post Office has confirmed the branch will be moving to Finedon Convenience Store at 27a Irthlingborough Road, Finedon, in March.

It will be a modern open-plan branch with Post Office services provided from two tills at the shop counter.

Services will be provided throughout shop opening hours from 6.30am to 10pm Monday to Friday and from 8am until 10pm on Saturday and Sunday.

It will be an extra 57 hours a week of Post Office service with the branch opening earlier and closing later every day for customer convenience.

The new branch will be a “local plus” style branch with enhanced local services including manual banking (non-barcoded transactions), Transcash, and Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide International parcels.

Payment by cheque will still be accepted.

The current branch will close with the current postmaster’s agreement at 5.30pm on Wednesday, March 23, and the new branch will open at 1pm on Thursday, March 24.

During the transfer an alternative branch includes Wellingborough Post Office, in Midland Road, Wellingborough.

The change is part of a 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.

During a public consultation on the re-location plans, the Post Office received a number of comments and a petition from customers and local representatives.

In the main, feedback focused on the move away from the current site, parking at the proposed location and the impact this could have on customer access to our services.

Other feedback related to access into and within the proposed premises.

Bosses said they also received a number of comments in support of the move as the proposed location was said to be closer for some people with easier access inside the shop, longer opening times and parking facilities nearby.

As part of the consultation process, Post Office Ltd meets with the independent statutory consumer watchdog Citizens Advice to review all feedback and each location and confirmed that parking is broadly similar to the existing branch with roadside parking available on opposite side of the road and in nearby streets.

For some customers the new branch will be further away, while for others it will be closer.

They say there are crossing points and dropped kerbs en route for customers choosing to walk to the new branch.

For those using public transport, there is a direct bus service from the current branch to the new location with bus stops in close vicinity of both sites.

Like the current branch, there is a step at the entrance, however, the new operator will be make adjustments to improve access for customers.

A portable ramp will be available for any customer who is unable to manage the step and customers can ring for assistance.

A handrail will also be provided to assist customers negotiate the step.

Regional manager Will Russell said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Finedon 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.

“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.”