East Sussex MP Huw Merriman, “cut the ribbon” to mark the long-awaited re-opening of Heathfield Post Office at Unique Wine Ltd, 26 New Parade, High Street, Heathfield, TN21 8LS today (Friday 20 May).
Work to accommodate Heathfield Post Office at the new location began in mid-April. A wall, which divided the retail and storage areas, had to be removed. The retail counter was moved to the front of the off licence, then the Post Office was fitted in the newly created space.
Heathfield Post Office is a modern main-style branch with Post Office services provided from three Post Office serving positions. There are two screened counters and a Post Office serving point provided for use at the retail counter. Post Office services are open during the shop’s opening hours Monday to Saturday: 9am – 9pm. This is an extra 21 hours than when the branch was previously open as the branch stays open significantly later. This will make it more convenient for customers to visit.
Huw Merriman, MP for East Sussex, said: “A Post Office is at the heart of a community, therefore, I am delighted that Heathfield has a branch again. I would like to thank all the residents of Heathfield who have worked so hard to ensure a Post Office returns to the parish. I also want to thank Heathfield’s new Postmaster Sanjiv Patel for accommodating a Post Office within his store. The longer opening hours will be very handy for residents and local businesses.”
The branch at The Mews, Station Road, Heathfield, closed in April 2015. We then began a search for a viable and sustainable location to secure Post Office services for the future. The same wide range of services will be available, except Digital Application Services.
New Postmaster, Mr Sanjiv Patel, who has owned Unique Wine Ltd for six years, said: “When the previous Post Office closed I was keen to take on the branch to meet the community’s need for a Post Office in Heathfield. Residents and businesses are delighted to have a Post Office once again. The Post Office counters fit in well into the store with one at the front and counters further into the store.
The re-opening of Heathfield Post Office is part of our modernisation and investment plans for the Post Office network. Just like the vast majority of branches, this branch runs alongside the operator’s retail businesses, which helps the sustainability of the branch and its long-term future.
Peter Wilkinson, Area Manager said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Heathfield. We have been working hard to restore services to the area, but there were several setbacks along the way. We are delighted that a Post Office has re-opened. We are confident that this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.”