LONGER hours are promised at a new-look village post office following its move the short distance across the road.

Lostock Gralam Post Office has re-opened in Bargain Booze at 427 Manchester Road, following its switch from premises opposite which were run by subpostmistress Jacqueline Beasant.

The post office opened at Bargain Booze on Friday afternoon, and will be run by postmaster Lorraine Henderson and a team of part-time staff employed at the off-licence.

“Everyone seems to be quite happy that the post office is here,” said Mrs Henderson.

She added that customers had also commented on the convenience of the location and the importance of keeping the post office in the community.

Mrs Henderson said the post office hours were being finalised, but stressed that it would be open longer than at the previous premises, and would open on Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesman said the Post Office was introducing new models of branches which would help to improve their profitability and benefit customers through longer opening hours and modern retail environments.

“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,” said the spokesman.

“We are liaising with subpostmasters in branches across across the UK, including Lostock Gralam Post Office, which has now been taken on by a new operator.

“The new branch provides significantly extended opening hours in a brighter, more open retail environment.

“The move safeguards services in the area, maintaining Post Office’s physical presence at the heart of the community.

“We would like to thank Jacqueline Beasant for the valued service she has provided in her nine years as subpostmistress, and wish her the best in her future endeavours.”

The new post office branch opened the day after the former branch closed its doors.

Mrs Beasant was unavailable to comment as she was away, but a family member said she would wish to thank all the customers she had served during that time.

To contact the post office at Bargain Booze, call 01606 334349.