DORCHESTER residents can look forward to an extra 66 hours a week of Post Office services as a new location is finally agreed.

The Post Office has agreed to relocate Victoria Park Post Office on Maud Road 200ft to Central Convenience Stores, also on Maud Road on October 16.

Post Office services will be provided from three modern counters including two modern full-screened counters and an open-plan counter alongside the retail counter with significantly extended opening hours. 

The two main counters will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and the open-pan counter will be open even longer hours, Monday to Sunday from 6am until 10pm.

This will be an extra 66 hours a week of Post Office service including all day Sunday and Saturday afternoon.

A wider selection of on demand travel money and car tax renewal will also be added to the wide range of Post Office services already available.

The current branch at 10 Maud Road will close with the current postmaster’s agreement on October 14.

As reported, in 2016 the Post Office had proposed to move the branch on Maud Road to Poundbury Village Stores.

But following hundreds of responses opposing the move it was decided not to relocate to Poundbury.

Dorchester town councillor, Gerald Duke, said: “This is excellent news and I am most grateful to everyone who responded to the Post Office consultation. Their efforts are responsible for this successful outcome.”

Suzanne Richardson, regional network 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.”

During a six-week public consultation, the Post Office received 31 individual responses from customers and local representatives. The feedback welcomed the improved access, more spacious premises and longer opening times the new branch would provide.