Marlborough Post Office to close for two-and-a-half weeks

Marlborough’s High Street Post Office – the only one in town – is to close its doors for two-and-a-half weeks.

The announcement has already led to concerns that residents – especially the elderly and those without private transport or access to the internet – will find it difficult to post parcels, collect pensions, and access government services.

But the Post Office says the refurbishment will be worth the inconvenience.

In a letter to customers, area manager Alan Ridoutt writes: “We’ve decided, with the operator’s agreement, to change the Post Office branch to one of our new main style branches.

“This change is part of a major programme of modernisation and investment taking place across the Post Office network.”

The works, said Mr Ridoutt, will provide customers with “the same products and services” in “a modern, open plan environment.”

The letter suggests longer opening hours, although a poster clarifies that the main counter will be open between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. The new schedule gives customers an extra five hours on a Saturday afternoon.

The letter adds that “some Post Office services” will be available over the shop counter – the Post Office is part of convenience store One Stop – between 6am and 10pm seven days a week.

Marlborough News Online has sought clarification as to what those services might include.

The letter adds that the refurbishment is part of a £1.34bn government investment benefitting 8,000 branches. A lower counter for wheelchair users and hearing loops for the hard of hearing will be part of the refurbishment.

The Post Office will close on 5.30pm on Tuesday, April 7 and reopen on Friday, April 24 at 1pm.

Meanwhile the company is directing customers to the Post Offices at Burbage and Hungerford. There are also Post Offices at Great Bedwyn, Ramsbury, Aldbourne, and Pewsey.