Ben Maguire MP for North Cornwall “cut the ribbon” (14/6) at the official opening of new-look Wadebridge Post Office with enhanced banking services.
A community celebration was held to mark the completion of various stages of a project to open a permanent Office in the town at 3 New Court House The Platt, Wadebridge, PL27 7AQ, with postmaster Jason Bickersteth.
Wadebridge Town councillors Graham and Jenny Pearce also attended and presented to Jason a certificate of congratulations for the opening of Wadebridge Post Office.
There are now two counters including a dedicated banking counter to meet the needs of business, residents and tourists in Wadebridge. Cash Access UK identified the need for enhanced cash deposit services following bank branch closures in the town. The town’s last bank, Lloyds, closes in early July and Barclays shut two years ago.
A Teller Cash Recycler (TCR) has also installed to speed up cash deposits, which will improve service for all customers.
Ben Maguire MP said: “Its fantastic news for Wadebridge. I want to sincerely thank popular postmaster Jason Bickersteth for all that he’s done for the town – people are very grateful.
“Firstly, he got vital Post Office services back in the town at a temporary location. With growing demand this has since led to a bigger permanent location with great-looking layout and now with a dedicated banking counter and a quicker way to deposit money.”
“I’ll be continuing to call for greater banking facilities on behalf of all of North Cornwall in Parliament, to ensure that everyone has access to these vital services where and when they’re needed.”
Jason and his wife Joanna had moved from Yorkshire to Cornwall during Covid in September 2020 and they took on Marshgate Post Office in 2022 and Marshgate Mobile Post Office serving 10 communities. Joanna and her team still run these services. Meanwhile, Jason has been busy developing Wadebridge’s Post Office services.
Wadebridge Post Office had been in a nearby SPAR store in The Platt until its lease expired in June 2023. This left Wadebridge without a Post Office. Jason then came up with a temporary solution in premises at the rear of Hamilton's Yard in October 2023 with a single counter. Business soon picked up and it was clear that a larger Post Office was needed.
In February, Wadebridge Post Office moved back to The Platt at a new larger, location - 3 New Court House, formerly Kernow Artisan, with retail of cards, stationery and gifts.
Initially there were temporary Post Office, narrow, counters to speed up the move to the better, permanent, location. Now a refit is a complete and there are now two permanent Post Office counters with more space for customers to do their transactions.
Postmaster Jason Bickersteth said: “My project for a permanent Post Office in Wadebridge is now complete. It’s been uncertain times for Wadebridge Post Office since the last operator closed in 2023. So, I want to reassure my customers that I’m not going anywhere. The people of Wadebridge have been very welcoming and supportive. From there being no branch, we quickly got customers returning and with bank closures in Wadebridge, we can really help to meet people’s banking needs.”
The opening hours are Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday: 9am – 1pm. This provides 44 hours of Post Office service per week.
There is a dedicated counter for banking where people can do their everyday banking on behalf of all the major high street banks and people can withdraw cash.
Jason has noticed that many people, including tourists, like to use cash as it is easier to budget finances.
At Wadebridge people can also renew their vehicle tax, get Euros and dollars on demand and pre-order other currencies and travelcard top ups. As well as the traditional Royal Mail and Parcelforce services and home shopping returns, people can also buy DPD services in branch, drop off and collections.
Post Office Area Manager, Ebony Perryman, said: “Jason Bickersteth is a first class postmaster, who could see the business opportunity for a Post Office and shop in Wadebridge. Rather than delaying the return of a branch to the town he found a temporary location until bigger more suitable premises were available. With great customer service from Jason and his team they have quickly built up the business.”