PRESTONPANS Post Office will shut for refurbishment as it is turned into a new modern facility with longer opening hours and additional services.

The post office, in Scotmid, will close next Monday (October 27) at 5.30pm for the work to be carried out.

It will reopen on Wednesday, November 5, at 1pm, offering more serving positions, and extended hours.

The branch itself will be open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, while Post Office service points will be available from 6am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.

Local residents and small business customers will be able to access a range of Post Office services during extended opening hours – 73 hours a week more than previously offered.

Liz Collins, area manager Scotmid Co-op, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers to our newly refurbished Prestonpans Post Office, which will offer a wide range of Post Office services alongside our extensive retail offer.

“As a convenience store operator we are always looking for ways to make life easier for our customers and the additional Post Office services will be available for the full opening hours of the store in order to provide an excellent service for the local community.” Customers will be able to access a wide range of Post Office and mail services, including international parcels, special delivery, local collect and home shopping returns.

Anne Clark, Post Office area manager, said: “We know how important Post Office services are to residents in Prestonpans and we are confident that this vibrant, modern Post Office, at the heart of the community, will be popular.” She added: “The modernisation is part of a major Government investment programme that is 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 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 environment.