THE Postmaster of Crediton Post Office, Chris Schnepp will be retiring when the Post Office in Market Street closes for refurbishment on Wednesday, November 4, at 5.30pm.
Chris has been at Crediton Post Office for 17 years, during which time he has seen many changes.
He has family links to the town and believes the people of the Crediton area have taken him “to their hearts.”
Chris explained: “When I first came to Crediton in 1999 there was no Town Square and I can honestly say, it is the best thing to have happened to the town.
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“If the councillors could ‘force the issue’ to get two hour parking around the Square the town would ‘buzz’ with activity.
“People would have time to shop and enjoy a coffee without the fear of a parking ticket.
He added: “I have enjoyed the years I’ve worked here and my manageress Clare has shared most of those years working with me.
“Without Clare it would not have been possible – I owe a great debt to her.
“I have also been very lucky to have had a loyal team of staff with me, for a long time, and those ladies will continue to keep our customers happy after the take-over.
“The job they do is very complex and it takes a special person to carry out all the different transactions.
“A big ‘thank you’ goes to all our loyal customers, many of whom I love to chat to about the past, present and future, and of course, some of the more controversial issues concerning the town!
“I wish Andrew Bayley, the new Postmaster the very best for the future and I am sure Crediton will welcome him as they did me.”
When the Post Office reopens on Tuesday, November 17, at 1pm, it will still offer the same products and services but in a modern, convenient, environment.
The new Postmaster, Andew, is a local man who also owns Holsworthy Post Office, which has already been refurbished.
He will be working at the Crediton Post Office to begin with, where current members of staff will remain.
Crediton is one of 5,000 branches being modernised by the Post Office Network Transformation.
Crediton Post Office will still offer the same products and services, but in a more modern and convenient environment and will increase in size with an open plan layout.
Andrew explained:”I plan to develop and build the business up and will be selling a range of cards and stationery.
“A range of Christmas cards and wrapping paper will also be available at reasonable prices.
“I will also be running a ‘Drop and Go’ parcel service, which is a free fast-track parcel drop off service for small businesses, online sellers or anyone regularly sending mail.
“The Post Office counter will be open for longer, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm and on Saturdays (for a trial period) until 5.30pm. It will be closed on Sundays.”
The new branch will open at 1pm on November 17 with an official launch to follow at a later date.
Nora Parminter