Pulborough post office finds a permanent home

The relocation to Gatleys Pet Supplies Store, a couple of doors from its old branch on Lower Street, Pulborough, has been agreed by the Post Office.

Trading hours will more than double and Post Office services will be available from a till on the retail counter.

Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said the decision followed ‘shenanigans’ after the post office closed ‘unexpectedly’ last December.

He said: “After the shenanigans over the location of the village post office I imagine that residents will be relieved that a permanent location has now been found.

“I hope that the new service meets with local approval.”

The decision followed public consultation made last week while the store was trialled at Gatleys.

Pulborough post office, based at 83 Lower Street, Pulborough, ‘unexpectedly’ closed in December 2012 due to operational reasons, said the Post Office.

An interim bus service to Storrington Post Office operated from January to mid March when the branch relocated on a temporary basis at Evie’s Baby Boutique.

Julia Marwood, Post Office regional network manager south, said: “We know the people of Pulborough have faced a lot of change since December when Pulborough Post Office unexpectedly closed, but we have taken lots of steps to maintain access to Post Office services for the residents of Pulborough. We are delighted to now have a permanent solution.”

Robin Duke, 64, a life-long Storrington resident and owner of Gatleys, said the post office will have its own counter separate from the pet supplies store.

The ‘strong believer’ in supporting local business said: “It’s a shop counter and a post office counter within the pet shop.”

He added: “My opinion is I decided to take it on for he sake of the community because I’m a strong believer in keeping local shops open.”

Gatleys has country and pet shops based in Steyning, Storrington, Pulborough, Horsham and Liss.

Pulborough post office will open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm on Saturday, at Gatleys Pet Supplies Store, 81b Lower Street, Pulborough, RH20 2BP.