Westway Post Office needs community support

THE community is being encouraged to support the temporary Post Office in the Westway shopping centre, which has had its lease extended. 

Frome’s main post office closed at the end of June last year following the resignation of operators, Radstock Co-op, who also closed its food store. But it soon reopened in September in its original location, in the Westway shopping centre. 

Taking over the service was sub postmaster of Portway Post Office, Sarah Wilkins, who as well as continuing to oversee the Portway Post Office, agreed to manage the Westway branch for six months, to allow the Post Office to continue its search for a permanent solution.  

But it has now been announced that landlord, Maybrook Properties, has agreed to extend the lease for ‘an unspecified time’. 

“Great news, the temporary Post Office counter in the Westway will continue to operate thanks to the landlord, Maybrook Properties, who have generously agreed to continue with the lease for an unspecified time at the current arrangement of a peppercorn rent,” says the town council. 

Sub postmaster of both Portway Post Office and the temporary service at Westway, Sarah Wilkins, will continue to manage the service. She said, “We’re so pleased, this will contribute to the service remaining a viable business proposition. We know the service provision in Westway is important to customers with various needs, whether it be businesses banking and posting, or individual customers needing to pay bills, tax their vehicles or access to cash withdrawals and deposits.  

“This has become even more important since banks are reducing their opening hours.”  

Cllr Mark Dorrington added, “I’ve seen first-hand how important this service is and it’s great to see customers being appreciative and taking Sue and the Westway team to their hearts, providing decorations to help to brighten the area up.   

“However, if they are to keep the service running, they need customers and the community to use both Post Offices, so the commission-based income covers the cost.  Please support this vital community service.” 

The opening hours of the Westway Post Office are Monday to Friday: 10am – 3.30pm; Saturday: 9am – 12.30pm.