A new Post Office branch within a convenience store has officially opened.
On Friday at Costcutter, in Ellen Way, Great Notley, James Cleverly, MP for Braintree, cut the ribbon and declared the Post Office, which will be open seven days a week throughout the store's opening hours, open for business.
Postmasters Priti and Dinesh Patel have run the convenience store for ten years, but will for the first time be able to offer banking, postal and shopping services to customers between 7am and 9pm.
Mrs Patel said: "The community is very happy and excited about having a Post Office.
"We are getting Post Office customers from early until late, seven days a week.
"People are finding the opening hours are very convenient and there is lots of parking.”
District councillor Tom Cunningham and parish councillor David Arthur also joined the community for the opening day celebration.
Mr Cleverly said: "This new Post Office, which is open daily making it very easy to visit Ellen Way Post Office.
"This is a great additional way that Priti and Dinesh Patel can meet the needs of the Whitecourt community.”
Post Office services are offered from a low-screened, open-plan section which is integrated into the retail counter.
Priti and Dinesh Patel serve Mr Cleverly from behind the counter.
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