Darwen local store to get new-style post office branch

“It’s pleasing to see the Post Office will be providing some extra services in this part of town where there used to be two post offices but both closed,” Darwen West ward’s Cllr Dave Smith said.

“Although not a full Post Office service it’s still a step in the right direction. The services provided will be very convenient for many people in this area and will provide an alternative to having to go to the Post Office at The Circus or at Moss Bridge. This is positive news.”

The new Drop and Collect at Sunnyhurst Stores will offer Post Office services from a handheld device, providing convenient access for customers to bill payments and prepaid parcel collections and returns in collaboration with Payzone. A wider range of Post Office services are available from the nearby branches at Darwen Post Office in The Circus, Darwen, and Moss Bridge Post Office in Blackburn Road, Darwen, reports stated.

This comes amid warning to online shoppers to opt for named-day delivery services, or consider collecting their package from local convenience store in the wake of a surge in doorstep parcel thefts. The problems are being blamed on the fallout from the Royal Mail strike, and the return to the office.

The number of claims for missing parcels jumped by 59 per cent in the year to June compared with the previous 12 months, according to figures from the technology firm Metapack.

“If you do live in an area where parcels are likely to go missing, then ship with someone who offers collection from a local convenience store,” said Metapack chief customer officer, Tom Forbes.

“We have the data in terms of the number of claims going up, and we can see those claims are validated. Whether they’re stolen from a doorstep, or whether it’s an operational failure, I can’t tell. I doubt it’s operational, though, as carriers’ processes and procedures actually get better every year.”