Somerset town finally has its Post Office back and it’s bigger than ever

Portishead’s long-awaited new Post Office and convenience store officially opened its doors on Friday, May 2, with local MP Sadik Al-Hassan hailing the return of services as a vital boost to the community and high street.

The new branch at 50 High Street has replaced the former outlet, which closed in January 2023 following the collapse of the McColl’s store where it had been based. The new location offers Post Office services for 98 hours each week, alongside a full-service Costcutter convenience store.

The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset, and a host of local dignitaries. These included councillors from Portishead Town Council and North Somerset District Council, as well as Post Office regional manager Lynn Lewis.

The new Post Office has been set up by experienced retailers Rishiv Vij and his brother-in-law Dillip Potiwal, who took over the former Boots site and carried out a major refurbishment.

Sadik said: “This news has been eagerly awaited by residents of Portishead. Access to services like these are vital for communities across North Somerset and crucial for maintaining the health of our high streets. The refurbished shop looks fantastic and in time it will undoubtedly become a real treasure of the local area. I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole town when I say thank you to Rishiv Vij and Dillip Potiwal for investing in our community.”

Rishiv, who has been Postmaster for Easton for 17 years, said the location was ideal due to its proximity to the previous branch and availability of retail space and parking. He said: “It took us a while to find suitable premises to re-open Portishead Post Office. When we heard that Boots was closing we knew that this location, which is close to where Portishead Post Office had been, would work as there was also retail space for a large convenience store and great parking.”

He added: “People have been very keen for a Post Office in Portishead again as they have had to travel from the town to outlying villages and areas. Whilst we were doing work to get the shop ready, we had had lots of people coming to see the progress and to thank us.”

Two local staff, Lucy and Dan, have also transferred to the new Portishead branch from another Post Office.

Rishiv said the branch will provide essential banking and foreign currency services, particularly important in a town now served by just one remaining bank. He and Dillip, who are active in local cricket and football circles, are also promoting Post Office services among community groups and sports clubs.

The site features three counters—two full-screened and one open-plan—serving customers Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm. An additional counter integrated with the convenience store offers extended hours from 8am to 10pm every day.

Customers can access the full range of Post Office services including banking, passport applications, document certification, foreign currency, and bill payments. The location includes level access, low-level service desks and hearing loops, along with convenient nearby parking.