The Post Office has agreed to re-locate Lake Post Office to SPAR at Lamorbey Road on Tuesday 1st December.
Lake will, from December, be a modern open-plan ‘local’ style branch with significantly extended opening hours and services provided from an open-plan counter at the shop counter instead of from a separate screened counter.
During public consultation it was decided that it will be a ‘local plus’ style branch with enhanced local services including manual banking (non-barcoded transactions), Transcash and Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide International parcels. Payment by cheque will still be accepted.
Services will be provided throughout shop opening hours Monday to Saturday 06:30-22:00 and Sunday 07:30-22:00. This will offer an extra 61 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office service every week including all-day Sunday and Saturday afternoon. The branch will open significantly earlier and close much later every day.
The current branch at 32 Sandown Road (Lake traffic lights) will close with the current Postmaster’s agreement on Monday 30th November at 17:30. The new store will open the next day at 13:00.
During the public consultation The Post Office received a number of comments from customers and local representatives. The main feedback commented on the 300 metres distance which was said to be too far to walk because of the hill. Whilst the Post Office appreciate that the additional journey may inconvenience some customers, for which they apologise, equally, they say there may be some customers for whom the new location is slightly closer than at present.
In terms of access to the new location, there are dropped kerbs and pedestrian crossings en route and at the site and is served by a bus service. There is parking to the side of the Spar store and roadside parking is also available in nearby Lamorbey Road.
A spokesperson said:
“We also had comments about the availability of space inside Spar shop, privacy and, security issues. The new branch will be in built in line with Post Office specifications to ensure sure there is sufficient space for the new style local Post Office to operate alongside the retail offer.
“We are working closely with the new operator in the internal layout. Some fixtures and fittings will be re-aligned or removed to make sure there is unimpeded access into the premises. Shopping aisles and queuing area will be kept free from obstructions and adequate room provided for customers and a wheelchair to move around the store.
“Although the local style format is a different way of offering Post Office services, it does not compromise the professional service standards that we provide at all of our branches. Staff will be fully trained in Post Office transactions with staffing levels aligned to meet customer demand.
“We are working closely with the new operator for appropriate level of privacy for Post Office customers. Staff are fully aware of the need to respect customer confidentiality. Similarly with security, as with any other branch in our network there will be strict guidelines and measures in place”.
Will Russell, Regional Manager added:
“We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Sandown and we are confident that this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future. This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”
