by Alan Quick

MEL Stride, the MP for Central Devon, cut a ribbon last week to officially open the modernised North Tawton Post Office.

Andrew Bayley is the new Postmaster for North Tawton and in November he took over the branch at 4 The Square, North Tawton, from Nigel and Rosemary Davies, who had served the community for 16 years.

He also took on the hosted outreach branches at Belstone, Lapford, Spreyton and Sticklepath.

Post Office services are now provided from a low-screened counter located at the end of the retail till throughout the store’s opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 6am – 5.30pm; Wednesday and Saturday: 6am – 1pm; Sunday: 7am – 10am.

OPEN AN EXTRA 21.5 HOURS

This is an extra 21 hours and 30 minutes a week, including Sunday morning and earlier opening. These changes make it more convenient for customers to visit.

North Tawton is the third Post Office operated by Andrew Bayley, aged 28.

His first branch was Holsworthy, which relocated to his family’s existing business - Westcountry Cleaning Services and Supplies in July 2014.

Andrew then took over Crediton Post Office at its existing premises in November 2014.

Mel Stride MP, said: “Post Offices are at the heart of communities, so it was great to meet Andrew Bayley who has taken on two branches in my constituency, plus Holsworthy.

"At all these branches, opening hours have been extended, which is very good news for thousands of my constituents.”

CUSTOMER BENEFIT

Andrew Bayley, said: “North Tawton is my third Post Office and I split my time between the three branches and I have good teams of staff. It is great to provide a vital role to three different communities.”

North Tawton Post Office is delighted to welcome customers to the newly refurbished branch.

Local residents and small business customers will be able to access a wide range of Post Office and Royal Mail services, including Special Delivery, Local Collect, home shopping returns, online banking cash deposits and withdrawals.

Other services include Post Office Card Account withdrawals, sending funds abroad using Moneygram, and customers can also pay bills, pre-order travel money, apply for travel insurance and top up mobile telephones.

Staff at North Tawton Post Office include June Savage, Alfie Budd, Jo Luxton, Jackie Phillips and Jayne Webber.