An Isle of Wight town's two year wait for a Post Office has finally come to an end, as shop staff take in parcels and letters for the first time.

Newport Post Office has opened at its new home of Central Convenience Store, on the High Street.

The town has been without a Post Office since the former Co-operative on South Street/Pyle Street, where it was previously based, shut in February 2021.

Its closure meant the nearest facilities were in Pan and Carisbrooke.

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Following today's opening, customers can once again head to the town to post letters and parcels, as well as collect and return online shopping items.

Taking on the town's Post Office has also seen Central employ two more staff members, with a third likely on the way.

Isle of Wight County Press: Justin CookJustin Cook (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Isle of Wight County Press: The new Post Office in Newport.

Justin Cook, store manager of the shop and Post Office, told the County Press: "The whole town has been asking for one for such a long time. So there has been such a huge demand for it.

"We should see a benefit for the shop as well. There's a huge interest and just what we need!"

The Post Office opened at 1pm today.

Caroline Bennington was one of the first to use the new facilities.

She told the County Press: "It's much more convenient.

"I'm thoroughly pleased to have one back in the town."

Shaping Newport — a collaboration between Newport Business Association, Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, and the Isle of Wight Council — led attempts to bring services back.

Graham Brander, Post Office Network Provision Manager, said: “We are delighted to
have restored a Post Office to Newport as we know how important a Post Office is to a
community.

"The branch’s opening hours will make it very convenient for customers to
visit.”

The usual opening hours will be Monday to Saturday, 6am until 10pm and Sunday 7am until 10pm.