To celebrate the launch of the refurbished, new style open-plan branch Stephen McPartland, MP cut the ribbon at High Street Stevenage Post Office.

Stephen said, “I understand this has been upgraded as part of a three-year investment programme - the largest in the history of the Post Office. I am delighted to be opening this new modern open-plan office. This will really benefit local residents as the new-style office is more bright and spacious."

Waitrose Duty Manager, Matt Skirving, said, “The refurbishment has gone extremely well. It has definitely been well received by our customers. It looks really modern. The open plan counters are very popular as staff and customers no longer have to talk through glass and people can talk face-to-face. The staff are very positive about the change. They see it as a real move forward – a leap into the future.”

Post Office Senior Stakeholder Manager for East England, Gary Herbert, said, “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Stevenage and we are confident that this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future."

In the upgraded branch there will be four serving positions, which will be a mixture of screened and open plan. Longer opening hours are also being trialled for six months.