A town centre is set to get its Post Office back in time for the Christmas rush, with new operators preparing to welcome customers through the doors as early as next week.
Exmouth’s new Post Office is aiming to open on Monday, November 16, at 9 Chapel Street, in the former HSBC building, although the date remains dependent on the Post Office systems being ready.
Teresa and Steve Smith, who will run the new branch, say they are working flat out to restore services following the closure of the previous Post Office inside TG Jones.
The couple plan to open initially with two temporary counters while work continues on a permanent Main Post Office at the same location, which is expected to be ready in January 2027.
In a message published on the Exmouth Post Office Facebook page, Teresa and Steve said: “Exmouth, we’re working flat out to bring your Post Office back next week!”
The couple already have extensive experience operating Post Office branches across the region.
They said: “We’ve run Crewkerne Post Office for 10 years and also run branches in Beaminster, Axminster and Chard, as well as a Post Office outreach van that brings services to smaller communities.
“We love running community Post Offices and getting to know the people who use them.
“We’re really pleased that most of the team from the old Exmouth branch are joining us, so you’ll see some familiar faces behind the counter.”
However, they stressed that the proposed opening date is not yet guaranteed.
They said: “We’re aiming to open on Monday 16 November, as long as the Post Office systems are ready. We’ll confirm the date here as soon as we can.”
The couple explained that the decision to introduce an interim service was intended to get essential facilities back into the town before Christmas rather than waiting for the permanent branch to be completed.
They added: “The permanent branch will be a Main Post Office, planned to open in January. We wanted to get services back in town before Christmas, so we’re opening with two temporary counters while we get the permanent branch ready.
“Please bear with us in those first few days while we get settled in.”
Customers will be able to use the branch for postal services and everyday banking, while the premises will also stock cards, stationery, gifts and toys.
Teresa and Steve encouraged residents to support the business once it opens.
They said: “Once we’re open, the best way to support us is to use your local Post Office. Bring your Christmas parcels, pop in for stamps or do your everyday banking with us.
“We’ll also have cards, stationery, gifts and toys, and we’d love to hear what you’d like us to stock.”
The announcement has also been welcomed by Exmouth Town Council, which said it had been involved in ongoing discussions to secure a replacement following the closure of the previous branch.
In a statement, the council said: “This is a positive step for our community, and we welcome the commitment to maintaining essential Post Office services in the town centre.”
It added: “Thank you to everyone who has raised concerns and supported efforts to secure a local solution. We look forward to sharing further updates soon.”
The Post Office is also seeking residents’ views on the proposed arrangements, with feedback invited through its official consultation page.
The exact opening date will be confirmed by the new operators once preparations are complete.
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