More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Gravesend's Post Office could be moving - but just a few doors down.
The company has announced plans to move out of WH Smith in the St George's Centre, Gravesend, but to re-open in another unit just 30 metres away.
WH Smith is at number 37 Kempthorne Street while the new branch will be at number 34.
It will be run by a new operator and will mean longer opening hours, a new card and stationery shop and it will be open an extra 30 hours a week.
A statement from the firm said: "It will continue to operate as one of our main branches.
"The current operator has resigned, and the premises will no longer be available for Post Office. We have therefore had to identify an alternative location to continue to offer Post Office services to the local community.
"We are pleased to confirm that arrangements have been made for this Post Office to relocate to new premises. This store is currently empty and will undergo a refurbishment to incorporate Gravesend Post Office and cards and stationery retail, subject to consultation.
"Our priority is to safeguard our services in the locality in the longer term and the relocation of Gravesend Post Office will enable us to maintain a Post Office service to our customers in the local community.
"This Post Office and store would be operated by a new, very experienced, postmaster."
The plan is for two counters to open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm, but customers will also be able to access services at the main shop counter, which would be open 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and then 10am-4pm on a Sunday, increasing hours by 30 a week.
People are now being asked for their feedback on the proposal. You have until August 13 to comment online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 160014.
You can also email comments@postoffice.co.uk, write to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, call 03452 66 01 15 or Textphone 03457 223355.
WH Smith has been contacted for a comment.
In the meantime, Gravesend's Livingstone Road Post Office is under new management with significantly longer opening hours.
It's opening earlier, and closing later on Saturdays, providing just over 30 more hours to customers each week.
Postmaster Mathurjan Bathmanathan took over the branch yesterday (Thursday) and the branch is now open 6am-9pm Monday to Saturday and 7am-3.30pm on Sunday.
