AN opening date for the new post office premises in Chipping Campden has been confirmed.

The move further down the high street to Dandelion, in the Old Police Station, will be on Tuesday April 26 at 1pm.

The date is later than anticipated after a telecoms problem forced a delay.

Current retiring postmaster Susan Ewens has agreed to keep open her existing branch at Elsley House, in Chipping Campden high street until the new branch is ready.

She will close her branch on Monday April 25 at 5.30pm for the transfer to take place.

Anyone requiring post office services on the Tuesday morning prior to the new branch opening can access them at Moreton Post Office, in Warner's Budgens supermarket.

Chipping Campden will be a modern open-plan local branch with post office services provided from two open-plan tills at the retail counter of the gift and stationery store owned by Tracy Churchill.

Services will be provided throughout the shop’s opening hours Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5.30pm. This will be an extra five hours a week on a Saturday afternoon for customer convenience.

There will be improved access as the new premises has two entrances, one of which has a fixed ramp for wheelchair access.

The move is part of a major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.

A spokesman for the Post Office said during public consultation it received a number of comments from customers and local representatives. The majority of feedback was very supportive of the move to Dandelion as this will enable post office services to be retained within the local community, larger premises, easier access and longer opening hours.

A small amount of feedback commented about the busy nature of the shop and whether there would be adequate room for a Post Office.

Will Russell, 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.”