PAINSWICK residents have finally got their Post Office back, after an Outreach Service was officially opened at the Town Hall on Friday.

A community celebration was held on Friday morning to mark the grand re-opening of the long-awaited service.

Parish council chairman Martin Slinger cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new Hosted Outreach Service in the town.

Painswick has been without a Post Office since April 2013 and without a post box since November 2013.

The long-awaited Post Office will see the nearby postmaster from Upon St Leonards provide a service at a set time each week.

The branch on the ground floor of the Town Hall in Victoria Square is now open every Wednesday and Friday between 9.30-11am.

Speaking at the ceremonial opening this morning, Mr Slinger thanked the community for its patience while the postal service was unavailable.

“I must apologise for the length of time that the village has been without a post office. The council in conjunction with the post office have tried to secure the best possible resource for the village.

“I must stress that the Post Office Outreach service is being operated as a business and in order to ensure it remains as a village asset it must be used.”

Mr Slinger added that the post box will be situated approximately 150 yards from the old postbox on the corner of New Street and Victoria Street and adjacent to Painswick Town Hall. It is due to be installed in two weeks time.

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael, who had been fighting to get a new post-box installed in Painswick, welcomed the new service.

“I have shared the frustration felt by many residents over this long-running fight to get a new post-box, so I am delighted that a new post-box has finally been confirmed.

“Postal services provide an important service for communities, as well as businesses, and I hope that the work will now be carried out efficiently and on time.”

Post Office field change advisor, Leighton Barratt, said: “We are delighted to be able to restore a Post Office for the Painswick community.

“We are confident this new Post Office Hosted Outreach Service at the heart of the community will meet customer needs.”