BISHOPS Lydeard Post Office is closing for 16 days next month during refurbishment work.

When the facility on Taunton Road re-opens, it will offer a new-style local service in an open-plan environment, with banking services and a wide range of Post Office services.

The premises will be shut from 5.30pm on Wednesday, February 8, until 1pm on Friday, February 24.

Post Office services will be provided from a low-screened counter located at the end of the retail till, on the left hand side of the shop as you enter, freeing up more retail space.

Opening hours will remain as Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm; Tuesday, 9am to 1pm; Saturday, 9am to 12.30pm.

The new-style branch will be built in line with Post Office specifications to ensure sufficient space for the new style office to operate alongside the retail offer.

A Post Office spokesman said: "The new layout 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.

"Staff are fully aware of the need to respect customer privacy and confidentiality.

"Customers will also be asked to stand back from the counter when awaiting service."

The enhanced range of products will include manual banking, Transcash, and Royal Mail and Parcelforce International Services.

Sue Whittall, Post Office area manager, said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

"We are confident that this vibrant new-style post office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

"This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future.”