WILMSLOW’S Post Office is to close for refurbishment next month before reopening with an improved service.

The branch in Alderley Road, situated within the Tesco Express, will close at 1pm on Saturday, October 1, before relaunching at 8am on Tuesday, October 25.

Following renovation, the Post Office will open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm – meaning the branch will be open an extra 53 hours a week.

The ‘modernised’ Post Office will also feature five screened serving positions from which customers will be able to access postal and financial services, with customers for 99% of UK banks able to use the facility for online banking cash deposits, withdrawals and bill payments.

Anne Clark, area manager at the Post Office, said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future.”

The Tesco will also close from Sunday, October 2 for improvements, including a facelift for the store and the removal of asbestos from the wider building.

An extended product range will also be available at the store.

Jason Mallinson, store manager at Wilmslow’s Tesco Express, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers to the newly modernised Tesco store and improved Wimslow Post Office.

“We’re always looking for ways to offer our customers in Wilmslow that extra little help and the changes we’re making alongside the Post Office services that will be available for the full opening hours of the store will provide an excellent service for the local community.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience that the closure may cause in the meantime, but look forward to welcoming customers back to a much improved shop.”

Residents can find their nearest Post Office in Handforth, at 118 Wilmslow Road, or in Alderley Edge, at 12 West Street.