A new Post Office opens in Birchington today at 1pm.

The facility is at The Co-operative at 54-56 Station Road, just a short distance away from the previous business which closed on February 14

The modern, newly refurbished premises will be open from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm.

When a new-style counter is fully operational, the branch will extend its hours from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.

The new Post Office provides three large, modern screened counters and a Post Office serving point for use at the retail counter.

The re-opening in Birchington follows a fortnight without a Post Office after a delay to work caused by the findings of a survey, relating to asbestos.

The Post Office had put on free buses to enable customers to use its Westgate office throughout the last two weeks.

Regional network manager Will Russell said: “We are delighted to open our fantastic new-look Birchington Post Office at The Co-operative. We are sorry that the people of Birchington were without a Post Office for a fortnight due to unforeseen building work delays.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this temporary loss of service. We worked hard to keep any disruption in services to a minimum by providing a free temporary coach service. Now Birchington residents and businesses can visit a modern open-plan branch with longer opening hours.”