THE Post Office service in Ferryhill has been revitalised, despite the closure of two branches.

When two of the four post offices in the town were closed in September, residents feared they were losing a vital community service.

But the move, part of a national restructuring programme, heralded a new era for the town's remaining branches, which have undergone refurbishment.

Amanda Farry, sub-postmistress of both the West End and Eldon Terrace branches, and her husband Dave, invested thousands of pounds to bring the buildings up-to-date.

The branches had been old-fashioned, cold and dark, with rotting floorboards, and were badly in need of a facelift.

It took four months to transform the West End branch, in the town centre, but it remained open throughout that time.

Both offices have been fully refurbished and air conditioned.

They now provide extra services and have level access for wheelchair users and mothers with prams or pushchairs.

Following lengthy negotiations, Hays Travel has moved into the West End office, to provide the only travel service in Ferryhill.

The Eldon Terrace branch, in Ferryhill Station, now has an ATM cash machine, in addition to the full range of Post Office services that both branches provide.

Mr Farry said: "We got some money through a Post Office grant, but we have put a lot of our own money in.

"Nearly all of the comments we have had have been favourable, and 90 per cent of the customers from the two branches which closed have migrated successfully.

"Since we have had them both refurbished we have got a bigger cross-section of customers because it is bright and cheerful and more presentable. These days people do not want to go in dark and dingy places and they say this is loads better."

Mr and Mrs Farry are going to carry on a tradition started by the Broom post office before it closed.

They are planning to hold a charity day next summer, with a hog roast, raffles and auctions, and will be looking for other businesses in the town to support the event.