Sadik Al-Hassan MP for North Somerset “cut the ribbon” (2/5) at the official opening of
Portishead Post Office and Costcutter convenience store at 50 High Street, Portishead, BS20 6EL
Long-serving postmaster, Rishiv Vij and his brother-in-law, Dillip Potiwal, who are very experienced retailers in the Bristol area, have taken on the former Boots premises. They undertook a big refurbishment for Portishead Post Office and a large convenience store.
This has restored service to the community after the previous branch at 29-31 High Street, Portishead, BS20 6AB, closed in January 2023, due to the closure of the McColl’s store where the Post Office had been based.
Sadik Al-Hassan MP said: “This news has been eagerly awaited by residents of Portishead. Access to services like these are vital for communities across North Somerset and crucial for maintaining the health of our high streets. The refurbished shop looks fantastic and in time it will undoubtedly become a real treasure of the local area. I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole town when I say thank you to Rishiv Vij and Dilip Potiwal for investing in our community.”
Also in attendance were: Cllr Roger Whitfield, Chair of Portishead Town Council and councillor for North Somerset District Council; Cllr Mike Johnston, Vice Chairman of Portishead Town Council; Cllr Tim Snaden, Deputy Leader for North Somerset District Council; Cllr David Gunnell, Town Councillor for the ward; Cllr Nicola Holland councillor for Portishead Town Council and North Somerset District Council; Portishead Town Council Cllr Jenie Eastman; Post Office Regional Manager Lynn Lewis.
Rishiv Vij, who has been the Postmaster for Easton for 17 years, said: “It took us a while to find suitable premises to re-open Portishead Post Office. When we heard that Boots was closing we knew that this location, which is close to where Portishead Post Office had been, would work as there was also retail space for a large convenience store and great parking.
“People have been very keen for a Post Office in Portishead again as they have had to travel from the town to outlying villages and areas. Whilst we were doing work to get the shop ready, we had had lots of people coming to see the progress and to thank us.
“There are a couple from Portishead, Lucy and Dan, who have been working at another Post Office who have transferred to work at Portishead Post Office.
“There’s only one bank left in Portishead. Our Post Office is where businesses and residents can do their everyday banking. There’s also a full range of foreign currency on demand.
“I play cricket in Long Ashton and Dillip plays football locally. We have been spreading the word among our sporting contacts about the wide range of Post Office services available in Portishead. We are both community-minded and we are looking to support local sports. Clubs. We have been raising awareness amongst business in the town and residents.”