THE ALMOST two-year wait for a Post Office to return to West Swindon District Centre has ended.
Locals in the area have been without a branch of the mail and parcel delivery service since January 2022 when the previous one located inside the retail centre closed.
Since then, Conservative parish councillor Suresh Gattapur has campaigned extensively for a new branch to return to the area, alongside MP Sir Robert Buckland.
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That campaign led to the announcement that a new store would be opening in an empty unit at the centre.
It officially had its grand opening on November 10 with Mr Gattapur making sure he was the first customer through the door.
Speaking to the Adver, Mr Gattapur said: "A lot of hard work has gone into making this happen and now there is a big sense of relief that we've finally got here.
"I'm so pleased that local people, and particularly those elderly residents who are unable to travel to Toot Hill, Shaw or Freshbrook who will not have access to this vital service."
In an online public post he added: "Drumroll, please... The West Swindon Post Office is officially back in action.
"And guess who seized the golden opportunity to be the first customer through those freshly opened doors? Yep, it's me!
"Big kudos to the West Swindon Post Office team for their dedication in getting everything up and running smoothly. Let's support our local businesses and keep the community spirit alive."
The new premises is approximately 73 metres away from the previous branch, along level terrain and there is one screened and two open-plan Post Office serving points.
It is accessible to people with disabilities, with a wide door that has level access at the entrance. Internally, there is a hearing loop and space for a wheelchair.
This Post Office's opening hours will be from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays, and closed all day on Sundays, providing a total of 53 hours of service a week to customers.
As well as Post Office services, the store also has greetings cards and stationery available to purchase, as well as wrapping and postal materials.
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