Alexandria's Scotmid Co-op branch will remain open as it prepares to host a new Post Office “local” service, in a move claimed to offer customers a wider and better service.

The new-style facility will open at the Scotmid at 1a-1b Tullichewan Drive at 1pm on Friday, August 12, offering services which will include special delivery, Local Collect, home shopping returns, online banking cash deposits and withdrawals.

Other services will include withdrawals using a Post Office Card Account, sending funds abroad using Moneygram, and the facility to pay bills, pre-order travel money, apply for travel insurance and top up mobile phones.

Meanwhile opening hours will be increased to 105 hours a week, running from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week – an increase of 67 hours.

The shakeup means the Post Office within the Scotmid Co-op branch will have to close from 1pm on Wednesday, August 3, until reopening on August 12 – during which time customers will have to use either Balloch Post Office on Carrochan Road or Alexandria Post Office at 98-100 Main Street.

When it reopens the Tullichewan Post Office will have a combination counter, with the Post Office terminal sittting beside the retail till.

Julia Kemp, Post Office area manager, 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.”

Colette Clark, Post Office operations manager for Scotmid Co-operative said: “As a convenience store operator we are always looking for ways to make life easier for our customers and the Post Office services will be available for the full opening hours of the store in order to provide an excellent service for the local community.

“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 and will secure services for the future.

“The investment marks a commitment to our no more branch closure programme.”