A POPULAR Old Town Post Office has shut its doors for a major refurbishment.

The Victoria Road shop will be closed for two weeks while the builders move in. It will reopen on Saturday, April 28.

Post Office bosses say the new store will boast a wider range of services and longer opening hours - with extended opening until 5.30pm on Saturdays.

Andrew Masson, Post Office area manager, said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

"We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs. This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future.”

While the Victoria Road branch is closed, the nearest Post Office branches are at 10-12 Regent Street and 58 Commercial Road.

Earlier this year, borough planners gave the go-ahead to plans to split the Victoria Road post office in two to create another shop or office space. 

An ATM cash machine will be re-sited from the right-hand-side of the red brick building to the left.

Developers said that the works would not affect the building's distinctive façade.