Crabble’s post office has been saved from closure after undergoing refurbishment.

The Buckland Avenue store in Dover was part of the Post Office’s major investment programme and is now open seven days a week.

David Gold, the Post Office area manager, said: “This modernisation of the post office is part of a major investment programme.

“The investment marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.

“We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are.

“The postmaster also decided to refurbish his whole store at the same time and it looks great.”

Under the previous government a £2bn investment was pledged so that its branches all over the UK can remain open.

The investment programme will see up to 8,000 branches undergo transformation.

There will also be an additional investment in more than 3,000 community and outreach branches.

It has become a local plus branch which means that customers can still pay by cheque and do manual banking transactions along with Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide services.

It is run by postmaster Mailvakanam Vasanthasiva (known to customers as Siva), his wife Sakthweeswary and brother Premadas.

Mr Vasanthasiva said: “Customers love the new post office and store – everything has been modernised – they like the light, bright modern look and layout.

'The open-plan office makes it far easier for staff and customers to talk.' - Mr Vansanthasiva

“The open-plan office makes it far easier for staff and customers to talk.

“The longer opening hours are very convenient and customers are coming in with parcels from early until late and at the weekend too.”

Cllr Daniel Sargent cut the ribbon on Monday to mark its re-opening as a new premises.

He said: “I am delighted to open the new-look post office and store.

“I want to thank postmaster Siva and his family for making all of the improvements, which shows real commitment to the community.

“A post office is at the heart of a community. The longer opening hours are very handy for customers with busy lives.”