THE relocated Post Office in Station Road, Taunton, was officially opened by Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Dave Durdan yesterday, Wednesday, March 25.

The facility now operates from Station Road Convenience Store, a few doors down from the previous premises.

The move is part of a major modernisation programme across the UK network of branches.

As well as taking on the post office, new operators Mick and Susan Roulston have modernised their store at the same time and it is now a Premier convenience store.

Post Office products and services are now provided from two open plan tills at the shop counter during shop opening hours instead of from separate screened counters.

Services are available during the convenience store’s opening hours - Monday to Friday 6.30am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am to 10pm.

That has resulted in an extra 61 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office services every week, with earlier opening and later closing times.

Mr Roulston, said: “We are delighted to have taken on the post office and we are pleased to welcome new customers to our smart, modern store.

“The much longer opening hours allow customers to visit from early until late each way.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Post Office area manager Adrian Skinner said: “We know how important Post Office services are to residents in Taunton and we are confident this vibrant modern post office, at the heart of the community, will be popular.

“The Post Office branch modernisation is part of a major Government investment programme – the largest in the history of the Post Office.”