THE Post Office is refurbishing one of its branches in Basingstoke and will be increasing its opening hours.

The branch, in Buckland Avenue, South Ham, will close for refurbishment from 5.30pm on Tuesday, June 24 and reopen from 1pm on Monday, June 30.

The McColls store, which contains the branch, will remain open during this time.

The current opening hours of the branch will increase from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, to 6am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 10pm on Sunday.

The branch will also be open-plan with services offered from a till at the counter, rather than from a separate screened counter.

Mark Jacobs, post office area manager, said: “We understand how important having a post office is to residents in Basingstoke and we are confident this new modern post office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.”

South Ham councillor Colin Regan said residents will welcome the changes He said: “This branch is right by the Berg Estate where there are lots of pensioners, so they will be happy.”

The nearest alternative branches while the refurbishment takes place will be in Burnaby Close, in South Ham, and Pack Lane, in Kempshott.