Red letter day as post office announces branch upgrade

But despite rumours of it closing down, a county councillor has spoken of his delight as it was announced the branch will be upgraded.

David Barling shared the news on his Facebook page.

In the post, he said: “Some good news reaches me today. The post office has written to tell me that our Steyning sub post office is to be refurbished shortly and upgraded to a full post office branch.

“I am really delighted as there have been rumours of closure.”

Mr Barling, who is West Sussex County Councillor for the Bramber Castle division, added that this was good news for Steyning’s high street.

“This is really important for residents who I know use the post office a lot and it will benefit the high street.”

The post office will close for refurbishment on Saturday, June 18, and will reopen on Monday, June 27. Mr Barling said customers could use the offices in Shoreham and Small Dole during this period.

The refurbishment include redecorating the whole interior of the building, installing a new floor and corporate signage outside, and bringing in brand new furniture and equipment.

The Steyning branch applied for the upgrade before Christmas last year and have taken on an extra staff member as a result.

Postmaster Alan Marsh said that the upgrade would allow them to better serve the 300 customers that visit each day, whose numbers have grown since the post office branch in Upper Beeding closed recently.

He said: “The main benefit for customers is going to be the impression when they walk through the door.

“It will give the post office a more stylish and professional look.”

It also means that the post office will be able to offer more services, including the signing off of identity documents, and could potentially become a specialist branch in driving licence applications.