FOLLOWING refurbishment work, which is likely to close the branch for a week, the Over Monnow Post Office will reopen as a new flagship Post Office Local Branch, later next month.

The plans for the shop, at 79 Kings Fee, include almost doubling the opening hours, adding almost 51 hours per week, with longer weekday, all day Saturday and new Sunday opening for the modernised branch.

This will mean that the new-look shop will be open for products and services for 97 hours per week.

Speaking about the changes, Sue Whittall, Post Office Area Network Manager for Wales, said: "Post Office Local is a new style of Post Office which sees Post Office services operated from an open plan counter in an established retailer, with a range of key Post Office products and services available alongside retail transactions during store opening hours.

"The branch will be open from 7am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 8pm on Sunday.

"This modernisation is part of a major investment programme to 2018, the largest in the history of the Post Office, that will see over 8000 branches, (about two-thirds of the Post Office network), converting to new style branches.

"The proposed date on which the new service will be introduced will be in October 2014. It is envisaged that the branch may need to close for seven days during October for the necessary refurbishment works to be completed. During this period customers can access services at the nearest branch, at Monmouth Post Office, Morgam News, Monnow Street, Monmouth."

The public are also being asked for their views in the proposed changes. Ms Whittall said: "We have shared our plans with local customers and have asked them for their views on the new service. Post Office Ltd welcomes feedback on any issue customers would like considered before a final decision is taken on this proposal. The customer engagement will close on Wednesday, September 17. Submissions can be made on the proposed moves through our easy and convenient new online questionnaire at: postofficeviews.co.uk, entering the code for this branch, which is 24363299.

"Alternatively, submissions can be made during the consultation by post at: Freepost Your Comments to Post Office Ltd., National Consultation Team, Wealdstone Post Office, 1st Floor, Admin, 4-12 Headstone Drive, Harrow, HA3 5QL, via e-mail to [email protected]">[email protected], or via the customer helpline on 08457 223344."