WORK is underway to bring a new Post Office to West Swindon to replace one that closed almost two years ago.
A new store is due to open at the West Swindon District Centre on November 10 at 1pm.
The area has not had a local branch of the mail and parcel delivery service since January 2022, when the previous one located inside the centre closed.
Since then councillor Suresh Gattapur and South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland have campaigned for it to be replaced, and in July there was positive progress in this campaign with the news that different empty unit would be refurbished to include a card and stationary store as well as the Post Office.
Now councillor Gattapur has shared photos of the construction work taking place inside the building ahead of its opening set for next week.
In a post on Facebook on October 29, he said: "The post office authorities confirmed that it will be opening on 10th November 2023 at 1 pm.
"All the refurbishment is underway and preparations look very promising.
"Thanks to all who supported our campaign and special thanks to Rt Hon Robert Buckland KC MP."
The news has been welcomed by councillors on both sides of the political spectrum.
Labour councillor Fay Howard said: "It's great to see these positive signs for the return of our Post Office at the West Swindon Centre.
"I hope all goes smoothly & the opening date is November 10th."
Councillor Sean Wilson added: "I am delighted to see a post office reopen at West Swindon Centre. It is an important community resource for residents and businesses such as banking facilities not that there are no banks open in the area."
Network provision lead for the Post Office, Antoinette Chitty, said: “We are delighted to soon be restoring a Post Office to this area as we know how important a Post Office is to a community.
"The branch’s opening hours will make it convenient for customers to visit.”
The new premises will be approximately 73 metres away from the previous branch, along level terrain. There will be one screened and two open-plan Post Office serving points.
It will be accessible to people with disabilities, with a wide door that has level access at the entrance. Internally, there will be a hearing loop and space for a wheelchair.
This Post Office's opening hours will be from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays, and closed all day on Sundays, providing a total of 53 hours of service a week to customers.
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