A family-run convenience store in Wombwell, Barnsley, has opened a new post office, extending the range of services available to local residents.
Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, officially opened the new Pearson Crescent Post Office at Wombwell Convenience Store, 2 Pearson Crescent, following a community celebration with the Singh family, which has run the store for 15 years.
The business was founded by Datinder Singh and his wife, Ranjit Kaur. They now work part-time in the store, with their son Gurpreet Singh and his wife, Twinklepree Kaur, running the business.
The family has invested significantly in the store in recent years. An extension added last year created additional space for Gurpreet to expand the food range, while the shop was also refurbished, including the addition of a drinks cave for chilled soft drinks and alcohol.
Gurpreet subsequently applied to add a Post Office to the store, a move he said had been welcomed by the local community.
The Pearson Crescent Post Office is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 6pm on Sundays, providing 82 hours of Post Office service each week. The store also has parking for up to 20 cars.
“People are really pleased that we have opened a post office right on their doorstep and with daily opening which makes it really easy to visit,” said postmaster Gurpreet Singh.
“There is also parking outside for up to 20 cars, which also makes it handy for people to drive here as Wombwell Post Office is not currently open.”
He added: “This is a family-run business, and we care about our community. We are always looking for ways to improve the shop by enlarging the premises, increasing the retail range and by adding a post office.”
The new branch provides personal and business customers with everyday banking services, including cash withdrawals and other banking transactions. Customers can also post letters and parcels, pay bills, purchase euros and set up and top up a Post Office Travel Money Card.
Peacock said the new branch would provide an important service for local residents.
“Post offices are often the lifeblood of our high streets, and I’m thrilled that Wombwell residents will be able to pop in daily to send and collect parcels or to access vital banking services on behalf of all the major high street banks,” she said.
She also praised the Singh family for its investment in the area and its 15 years of running the convenience store.
“Wombwell residents know the Singh family well after their dedicated 15 years running the shop, and I’d like to thank them for the investment they made in our area, and for the brilliant new services they will provide to the people of Wombwell.”
The Post Office said the new branch forms part of its local-style network, with a low-screened, open-plan service point integrated into the store’s retail counter.
Tajinder Khehra, Post Office retail change lead, said the new branch would make it easier for customers to access services at a time and location convenient to them.
“We know how important our services are to customers, and we are confident that this brand-new post office will ensure that people in this area will have easy access to our services,” he said.