New Plymstock Post Office opens with long hours and huge local buzz

A long-awaited return of Post Office services in Plymstock has officially been marked, as MP Rebecca Smith celebrated the opening of a new branch with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Located at Unit 19 The Broadway, the new Plymstock Post Office replaces the former site inside the McColl’s store at 26/28 The Broadway, which closed in January 2023. The reopening brings vital services back to the area, particularly for those without transport or online access.

Postmaster Steven Boyd, who also operates branches in Peverell and Ernesettle, said community response had exceeded expectations since the doors opened.

“Customers think the new Post Office and shop look superb as it is light, bright and spacious,” Steven said. “We have been delighted with how many people are already using the branch – it’s much higher than we had hoped for at the start and it shows just how much-needed this was.”

The branch offers 76 hours of Post Office service each week, opening Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm and Sunday from 9am to 1pm. It also boasts a retail area selling stationery, cards and gifts. Parking is available nearby, including a free three-hour car park with 450 spaces.

Ms Smith, MP for South West Devon, said: “I want to sincerely congratulate postmaster Steven Boyd for helping us to get a much-needed Post Office back in this community.

“There’s a large elderly community and people without their own transport, so we had been campaigning for a branch, and it will be a key attraction for the shopping centre at the Plymstock Broadway.

“The opening hours are tremendous as people can visit any day of the week. There’s a real buzz of excitement that Plymstock Post Office has opened, and Steven and his staff are very welcoming to customers. It’s such a relief as the last bank is about to close.”

Lloyds Bank is due to shut its Plymstock branch next week, with many residents now turning to the Post Office for essential banking services. Steven has been active in reassuring elderly customers, visiting a local pensioners’ group and a nearby sheltered housing complex.

“I’ve been able to reassure lots of pensioners in the area that they can pay in cash and cheques, withdraw cash and get bank balances and do bill payments at my branch,” he said. “These are the people who are hardest hit by bank closures as many of them do not have the internet or do banking online, so they need to be able to do their banking face-to-face.”

The branch also supports business services including Drop & Go, bulk mail handling, DPD services, and business banking. A growing customer base from surrounding areas has been attributed to its extended opening hours, especially on Sundays.

Among the services offered are passport check and send, vehicle tax renewal, document certification, foreign currency, travel insurance, and travel money cards. The branch also handles British Forces Post Office (BFPO) services, catering to the area’s substantial navy and ex-navy population.

The new Sherford development nearby is expected to bring around 15,000 residents, positioning Plymstock Post Office as a key service hub for the expanding community.