WORK is progressing on a new post office in Derby city centre, which will replace two existing branches.
Workers have almost completed the frontage of the Babington Court building in Babington Lane, which will replace Crown Post Office branches in Midland Road and Victoria Street.
The Post Office has promised a more modern branch, longer opening hours, an open-plan layout and better access.
There will be 10 counter positions, as well as four self-serve "post and go" terminals.
The branch will also have two rooms where people will be able to get advice on matters such as mortgages and credit cards.
The Post Office said it was shutting the branches in May because they had both seen a decline in customers.
But unions have claimed the move is a "cost-cutting" exercise. Last month, 4,000 staff working in 373 Crown Post Offices took part in a 24-hour strike in protest at the closures.
Nationally, the Post Office is closing up to 70 Crown offices and replacing them with franchises in shops.
The Babington Lane branch will offer customers the usual services, with longer opening hours, from 8.30am until 6pm on weekdays – apart from Tuesday, when it will open at 9am.
Saturday opening will be 9am to 5.30pm. It will be closed on Sundays. No opening date has yet been set.
