News story

24th January 2005

MP Celebrates Local Post Office "Good News Story"

Stephen and Sarah Davies with Steve Webb

Northavon MP Steve Webb has joined Coalpit Heath postmistress Sarah Davis and her husband Stephen to celebrate the go-ahead for modernising their post office. Coalpit Heath Post Office has recently become busier following the closure of the Frampton Cotterell office, and Mr & Mrs Davis were keen to improve the quality of service that they could offer by improving access to disabled people and by creating more space in the shop.

This will enable the post office to provide a wider range of services, with more convenient opening hours, and will help to ensure the longer-term viability of the post office. Following a unanimous decision last week by planners at South Gloucestershire Council, the modernisation works have got the go-ahead and it is hoped they will be completed by Easter.

Local MP Steve Webb, who had been contacted by the Davis's about their application, said that this was a real "good news" story.

He said: "With so many stories about post offices closing, it makes a pleasant change to celebrate one that is growing and hoping to secure a long-term future. I welcome the fact that Sarah and Stephen want to modernise their premises and improve their service to local people, and I hope that the new office has a bright future".

Stephen Davis said:

"Sarah and I bought the post office in June last year, knowing that the whole premises needed modernising. We listened to ideas from our customers and from professionals, and submitted our plans to the Council for approval. The plans will enhance the  frontage, and provide a new level access for disabled people, as well as providing an extra sales area which will allow us to diversify.

"We were thrilled when the Council planning committee voted unanimously in favour of our plans and we are now confident that this will secure the post office in Coalpit Heath well into the future. We expect the works, which will include a new post office area, to be completed in the next few months".