AFTER nearly 12 months of being without a Post Office, Builth Wells has a new branch.

The Post Office opened on Friday, November 1, in its new High Street location.

High Street homeware store Nightshades is the new home of the branch following months of hard work and planning to bring the service back to the town by shop manager Tracy Houghton.

“It’s been so busy, it’s brilliant. It couldn’t have gone better. Everyone has been so supportive,” new postmistress Tracy said.

She cut the ribbon to open the front door in the presence of the Mayor of Builth Wells, Cllr Gwyn Davies, along with members of staff Alys Davies, Rita Jenkins and Daphne Morson.

The first postal customer was Vicky Stokes of Castle Street who was presented with a gift voucher by Tracy after sending the first parcel.

The former branch closed in December 2018, however a weekly mobile post office was based at The White Horse pub car park in Builth Wells. After months of preparation and planning to bring the branch back to Builth Wells, Tracy said it was worth it.

Making the shop a community hub was one of the reasons she took on running the Post Office in town.

Speaking to the County Times, Tracy said: “Nightshades was already an established business but I’ve had new faces popping in. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“Thanks to the local community for coming back and supporting us. Let’s keep it going on the High Street.”

With Christmas around the corner, Tracy says she’s been “thrown into the deep end” but she’s looking forward to seeing the town centre thrive.

Last month, the Post Office said: “We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”

The branch offers a wide range of services including pay checks, top-ups, bureau de change and postal.

The Post Office is open Mondays to Fridays, from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.