THE Post Office has confirmed that its Tuckton branch will move in the spring.

As reported in the Daily Echo in October, residents were asked for their views on the branch moving to Tuckton News at 150 Tuckton Road.

It has now been confirmed that the move will go ahead on March 23 and the branch will be rebranded as a Post Office ‘local’, offering two serving points in the shop and extending opening hours for Post Office services to 6am to 6pm, seven days a week.

The current branch at 165 Tuckton Road will close on Saturday, March 21, at 12.30pm. The move is with the current postmaster’s agreement, the Post Office said.

Jim Guntrip, owner of what will become Tuckton Post Office and store, said: “As a community retailer we are delighted that we will soon offer Post Office services in our convenience store.

“Local residents will now be able to access a wide range of Post Office services during our shop opening hours – 38 hours a week more than currently offered.

“I’m looking forward to introducing my existing customers to the new service and welcoming new people to the store.

“I’m confident they will be pleased with the flexibility and convenience of the new Post Office service.”

Will Russell, regional network manager said: “We are confident this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the community in Bournemouth will be popular.

“The modernisation is part of a major Government investment programme enabling us to continue investing in the Post Office network and to map out a bold growth strategy through to the end of the decade.”

The Post Office has also confirmed that it will open a modernised ‘main’ Post Office at the Co-operative in Station Road, West Moors, on Tuesday, January 20, at 1pm. It will close for refurbishment on Friday, January 16, at 1pm.

Two screened counters will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm, while services will be available outside of these hours from the retail counter.

Gary Trodd, Post Office services manager at The Southern Co-operative, said: “The Southern Co-ope-rative is very supportive of the changes as it’s seen as a positive move forward for customers by making the Post Office’s services more conveniently available whenever our store is open.”