ACCRINGTON Post Office will close for two weeks while it undergoes an extensive renovation.

The post office, in Abbey Street, is one of around 6,000 branches in the UK being converted into a new ‘main’ style branch.

In a letter to the council, telling of the news, the service said: “Our aim is to create a more modern and convenient retail experience for customers.

“Posters will now be displayed in branch so customers are aware of the change, and leaflets will also be available containing more information.”

It will close at 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 2 and will reopen at 1pm 14 days later following a renovation, which will include three new open-plan counters and two secure ‘fortress’ positions.

The branch will still offer the same range of products and services, but will be open for two hours fewer every week.

It currently opens from 8.30am on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but will now open from 9am until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and will remain closed on Sunday.

The closest alternative post office is in Avenue Parade, 480 metres away and around eight minutes away on foot.

Accrington councillor Mohammad Ayub, who represents Labour in the Central ward, welcomes the improvements.

He said: “Older people use that every week to collect their benefits so it will affect them, but if after the refurbishment they improve the building and facilities, you can understand that. By the look of it, it looks a decent building but I don’t know what’s behind the counter. From Abbey Street, it looks alright.”

Area manager Alan Currie said: “We know how important Post Office services are to residents in Accrington and we are confident this vibrant modern Post Office at the heart of the community will be popular.

“The modernisation is part of a major government investment programme that is enabling us to continue investing in the Post Office network.”