Post office targeted by raiders to be given a revamp next month

A Fife post office targeted in a series of raids earlier this year is to be refurbished and have its opening hours extended.

The branch in Cowdenbeath High Street will shut its doors for three days at the start of next month to allow the work to go ahead.

Post Office area manager John Hollywood said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are confident that this vibrant new-style post office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office.”

The post office will close at 5.30pm on Monday May 1 and reopen at 1pm on Friday May 5.

In addition to its modernised interior, the new look branch will also be open for longer – 51 hours a week.

Residents and small business customers will be able to access a wide range of Post Office services at the branch, including international parcels and home shopping returns, as well as managing finances.

During the closure, the nearest Post Office services will be at Hill of Beath and Kelty.

The branch will open at 8.30am during weekdays, closing at 6pm from Monday to Thursday and at 5.30pm on Friday. On Saturdays it will be open from 9am to 1pm.

The branch was one of three Fife post offices targeted in a series of armed raids in January.

Incidents also took place in Burntisland, Kincardine and Linlithgow. Two men have since appeared in court in connection with the incidents.