A Portslade post office is to be moved into a nearby convenience store as part of the Post Office’s modernisation programme.
The current old village branch in South Street is being shut and services moving to Rishi News just down the road.
Post Office products will be offered from two open-plan tills at the shop counter rather than separate screened counters, with plans for a permanent ramp at the entrance, and fixtures and fittings moved for better access.
The Post Office says it will be open for 38 hours a week longer than the existing branch, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6am – 7pm, Wednesday and Saturday from 6am to 7.30pm and Sunday from 8am to 1pm.
The date of the move will be confirmed in the near future.
Will Russell, Regional Manager said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Upper Portslade and we are confident 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.”
The Post Office said it received a “small number” of comments during consultation, with concerns about parking and pedestrian access.
However, it said parking was a problem up and down the country, and there were level pavements with dropped kerbs between the old and new branch.
However, it has upgraded the new post office to a “local plus” branch to include manual banking (non-barcoded transactions), Transcash, and Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide International parcels. Payment by cheque will also now be accepted.
Other feedback commented on the availability of space inside the proposed store, and the Post Office says it is working closely with the store to make sure aisles and the queuing area are kept free from obstructions and adequate room will be provided for customers and a wheelchair to move around.
