Local MP Alan Mak cut the ribbon on Friday at the official opening of modernised Eastoke Post Office with new owners Kanchan and Manish Thakur.
The shop and Post Office have been given a refit as the old-style full-screened Post Office counters have been removed. Post Office services are now provided from two low-screened counters alongside the retail counter which allows staff and customers to have more discreet conversations. The new lighting also helps makes the store lighter and more welcoming.
The branch is now open Monday – Friday: 9am – 7pm; Saturday: 9am – 5pm. This is an extra 14 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office service a week including Saturday afternoon and later closing. These changes make it more convenient for customers to visit.
Alan Mak MP, said: “I was delighted to to open the newly refurbished Eastoke Post Office on Hayling. Local residents and visitors will all benefit from the improvements to this Post Office with longer opening hours and new modern, welcoming layout. Mr and Mrs Thakur are an enthusiastic, hardworking couple and I wish them well with their Post Office and store.”
Both Mr and Mrs Thakur have had career changes to take on the Post Office and convenience store at 25 Rails Lane, Hayling Island, PO11 9LG, for better work-life balance to raise their eight-year-old son Saksham. Manish had been in the merchant navy and Kanchan, who has masters degrees in Finance & Management and Marketing, had a successful career in business development.
Mrs Thakur, said: “Customers are very pleased with the improvements that we have made including longer hours and they are also delighted that we kept a popular and highly experienced member of Post Office staff who already worked at the branch. We also plan to improve our retail range over the coming months.
“I would like to thank my in laws Saroj Thakur and Ram Chandra Thakur, my husband and my parents for all of their support.”
This will be a new-style local plus branch with an enhanced range of products including manual banking, Transcash, and Royal Mail and Parcelforce International Services. Cheques will continue to be accepted as a method of payment.