Graeme Dey MSP has performed the official opening today (24/11) of relocated Carnoustie Post Office in his home town along with local Carnoustie councillor, David Cheape.
Haitham Tabra, who already runs Carnoustie Banking Hub, is now the permanent postmaster for Carnoustie Post Office at its new location - 105 High Street, Carnoustie, Angus, DD7 7EA.
The highly experienced postmaster had been operating Carnoustie Post Office on a temporary basis at the former location of 83 High Street, which maintained service to the community.
Haitham found the new premises to provide a permanent Post Office solution for the town to safeguard services. He took on Inspirations, a former card shop, undertook a full refurbishment and has re-opened Inspirations with a new retail range of cards and stationery.
Graeme Dey MSP said: “I want to thank Haitham Tabra for all that he is doing for the town of Carnoustie. It is fantastic news that he is now the permanent postmaster for Carnoustie at these great-looking refurbished premises as well as running the town’s Banking Hub.
“It’s great timing that this smart-looking relocated Post Office and card and stationery shop have opened before the busy Christmas period. A Post Office also offers so many vital services that there are lots of reasons to visit all year round. I’m delighted to be performing the official opening.”
Carnoustie Post Office has two serving positions in total; one screened and one open plan Post Office serving point alongside the retail counter of the card shop.
The opening hours are Monday to Friday: 9am – 5.30pm; Saturday: 9am - 1pm.
The same wide choice of products and services are still available. As well as Royal Mail and Parcel Force services people can also choose DPD buy in branch, drop offs and collections.
With a thriving parcel market Haitham has designed his branch with lots of storage space and segregated areas for the different courier companies and for outgoing mail and collections as that makes it much quicker to serve customers and companies collecting.
At Carnoustie Post Office there is also a full range of travel currencies on demand and people can check their passports renewed, checked and sent. ID verification services are available and Western Union international money transfers.
With many bank closures it is also a very useful place for people to do their personal and business banking, and bill payments as well as at Haitham’s Banking Hub at 63 High Street.
Postmaster Haitham Tabra said: “I have Carnoustie Post Office and Carnoustie Banking Hub both on different parts of the high street. People can do their banking at either for cash and cheque deposits, cash withdrawals, checking balances and bill payments.
“So, people have choice and tend to go to the nearest one. If they also have another reason for visiting a Post Office, for instance sending a parcel or home shopping return, then they do their banking at the same time. However, if they have a specialist banking question then they will visit the Banking Hub. It works well.”
Haitham is also the postmaster for Perth Road Post Office in Dundee. With his daughter, Hiba, and six local employees they successfully run the three locations.
Post Office Area Manager, Greg Blackmore, said: “We know how important a Post Office is for a community and we are delighted to have a permanent solution for the town in this marvellous new shop and with Haitham, who is a very experienced postmaster.”
There is no shortage of parking in Carnoustie. There is time restricted roadside parking in the area for Carnoustie Post Office and Banking Hub and with designated disabled bays available nearby. There are also several fee-paying car parks nearby.