BALLINGRY’s post office is to be upgraded next month as part of Post Office’s major modernisation programme of 8000 branches.

The facility, in the Nisa Retail Outlet at 1 Benarty Square, will close for three days to allow the refurbishment take place.

The Post Office’s Area Manager, Shirley Hailstones, said that the change in Ballingry is part of the largest major programme of modernisation and investment every undertaken by the organisation.

She told the Times, “This programme will see 8000 branches modernised and additional investment in over 3000 community and outreach branches. The programme is underpinned by Government investment with them committing a further £640m in the Post Office network on top of the £1.34billion committed in 2010 which will run until 2018.

“Our aim is to create a more modern and convenient retail experience for customers that will include longer opening hours. Customers of the Benarty Square post office will experience a newly refurbished branch providing a modern environment for customers, the same products and services, longer opening hours and selected Post Office services also available at the retail counter during shop opening hours.” The branch will close for refurbishment on Tuesday 17th February at 5.30pm and open again on Friday 20th at 1pm.

The change in hours will see the branch open from 9am to 5.30pm on a Saturday.

Lochs councillor Willie Clarke welcomed the news, “This is a very busy post office branch and clearly the investment by the PO is reflected by this project.

“Customers will also have the facility open for a full day on a Saturday which can be very handy for people working all week.

“This is very good news for Ballingry and hopefully it might not be long before the Lochore branch gets similar treatment.” During the two and a half days the Benarty Square branch is shut for the refurbishment to take place, people can use the Lochore branch.