Delight as Glemsford post office service reinstated after one-year absence

A district councillor has highlighted the importance of retaining post offices in rural areas after a vital service was reinstated in Glemsford, following a one-year absence.

The previous facility in Fair Green was closed last July after the postmaster’s contract was terminated.

A new service has since opened at Hunts Hill Stores, which will operate seven days a week, between 6am and 9pm.

The closure of the former post office drew heavy criticism from villagers and councillors keen to see the service restored.

Among them was district councillor Michael Holt, who has praised the new move.

“What fantastic news this is for Glemsford and the surrounding villages,” he said. “At a time when local communities are losing rural services, it was vital that Glemsford retained its post office and the services that it provides to our local communities.”

Cllr Holt, who represents Glemsford, criticised the prolonged wait, while recognising the tireless work that went into ensuring the service was reinstated.

“I believe a year was far too long to get the post office back up and running, but, by engaging with the Post Office and, with perseverance, we have got there in the end,” he added.

Carole Mitchell, who manages the convenience store on Hunts Hill, is glad the community no longer has to travel further afield.

“Everybody is glad that it’s back,” she said.

With the absence of a post office, Mrs Mitchell, like other villagers, was forced to travel to their nearest facility.

“My pension is put straight into my bank, but my mother’s, who is 89, isn’t. She couldn’t collect it, so I regularly had to go to Clare or Long Melford,” she said.

Wendy Hamilton, manager at Post Office Change, said: “We are confident that this vibrant new-style post office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”