A LONG campaign to save post office facilities in Highworth will formally come to an end with the opening of new counters at the town's Midcounties Co-operative branch in July.

The Brewery Street venue will officially unveil the new counters at 1pm on Monday, July 20.

Post office services will be provided from four modern serving positions - one screened, two open plan counters and a serving point at the retail counter, offering selected services, during shop opening hours.

The main counters will be open from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm, with selected products and services available from the retail counter during shop opening times, from Monday to Saturday, 7am to 10pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

This will increase opening to 96 hours a week, offering more choice of times to visit.

The current branch, at 5 Sheep Street, will close at 4pm on Saturday, July 18, with alternative branches at Shrivenham and Upper Stratton.

Clare Downs, head of post offices and services at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “As a community retailer and based in the heart of Highworth, we are pleased that we will soon be welcoming members and customers to our new post office branch.

"Local residents and small business customers will be able to access a wide range of Post Office services during our extended opening hours – over 46 hours a week more than previously offered, and we look forward to revealing the new branch and its facilities in July."

During a six-week public consultation into the relocation of the post office, a large number of responses were received, including individual representations as well as campaign letters and a petition, overwhelmingly in support of the proposal, the post office said.

Will Russell, the Post Office's regional manager for the area, 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 residents.

"We are confident this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the community will meet customer needs.

"This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office. It will secure services for the future. The investment marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”