Two Thanet retailers, who are friends, have opened Post Offices in their community convenience stores.
South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay, “cut the ribbon” to officially open two Post Offices, one at Newington, the other in Broadstairs High Street.
The branches will be open seven-days-a-week from early until late making it very convenient for customers to visit.
Craig Mackinlay MP, commented:
“It is great news that Newington and Broadstairs branches have opened in popular convenience stores with experienced retailers.
“Post Offices are at the heart of communities, so it is great that Post Office services have been restored and that both branches have impressive opening hours – much longer than before.”
Dimpal and Hiren Patel have opened Newington Post Office at Rams News & Off Licence, 73 Newington Road, Newington, Ramsgate, CT12 6PP.
The couple took on the newsagents and convenience store last year and they were immediately asked by customers if they would consider taking on a Post Office as the existing Newington Road branch had closed temporarily in May 2017 due to operational reasons. After settling in they decided to apply for a Post Office.
Dimpal Patel of Newington Post Office, said:
“As soon as we took on the shop customers asked us to apply to take on a Post Office and we decided it was a really good idea.
“Our customers are very happy as many had been getting taxis to get to the nearest Post Office. They are very happy with the longer hours.”
Their family friends Avani and Jalpesh Patel who run Londis convenience store at 5 High Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1LP, were also asked by their customers if they would consider taking on a Post Office when York Street Post Office closed in January 2018 due to the resignation of the Postmaster.
Jalpesh Patel from the Post Office at 5 High Street, Broadstairs, added:
“Customers think it is really good that they have local services again and they are really pleased that we have taken on a Post Office as people had to walk up a hill to the nearest branch.”