Villagers asked for views on proposed Dipton branch Post Office move

The proposed transfer of the Dipton branch office, near Stanley, County Durham, would see postal counter facilities literally move across the road.

It would see the branch run within The Hungry Caterpillar, a family-owned greengrocers, which opened in Co-operative Buildings, on Co-operative Terrace East, in December 2010.

The existing Post Office is at Newcastle House, on Co-operative Terrace West.

Customers and “interested parties” are invited to comment on the proposed move as part of a six-week public consultation.

It would come into effect from September, as part of a major modernisation programme across the Post Office network.

Changes are aimed at making it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours in modern retail environments.

Suzanne Richardson, Post Office Regional Network Manager for Scotland and Northern England, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Dipton.

“We’re confident that this new branch will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future."

Business will be available throughout shop opening hours, allowing Post Office services to be available for longer, offering greater convenience to customers.

Opening hours at the proposed new Dipton office would be from Monday to Saturday, 9am and 6pm, giving a 54-hour total service time per week, compared to the existing 37 hours at Newcastle House.

During the consultation period the Post Office welcomes feedback on any issues customers would like considered before a final decision is taken on the proposed Dipton branch move.

Submissions can be made by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, by ringing the Customer Helpline 08457-223344, or Textphone on 08457-223355.

Views can also be shared in an online questionnaire via postofficeviews.co.uk, with the Dipton branch entry code 2213299.

The consultation period ends on August 6.