Liberal Democrats in Durham have been successful in persuading the Post Office to retain all the services currently offered at Durham City Post Office when it moves in November.

Councillors Richard Ormerod and David Freeman were informed today that the Post Office has decided to go ahead with its intention to move the Durham Post Office branch into the WH Smith store in the Market Place.

The new branch will open on 3 November 2016, the day after the old one closes.

The Post Office had intended to open the new branch without the Biometric Enrolment Service. This would have meant a 30-mile round trip to Sunderland for local residents wanting the service. But local councillors and residents argued for all services to be kept, and this is what the Post Office has now agreed to.

Councillor Richard Ormerod said:

“I welcome the longer opening hours, which will be much more convenient for working people.

“I am also pleased that the Post Office has listened to the views of local councillors and residents who pushed for the Biometric Enrolment service to be retained.”