Opening date revealed for Diss Post Office in Mere Street

Diss Post Office, currently found in Market Place, will be moved to the former home of Octagon Craft Gallery and Coffee lounge at 35e Mere Street.

It has been confirmed that the current branch will close at 5.30pm on July 12, and the new branch will open at 1pm on July 16.

The new premises, which are currently empty, will undergo a full refurbishment to incorporate the Diss Post Office and a card and stationery store - and will be located approximately 300 metres away from the former branch. 

The current Post Office at Market Place, which first opened in 1953, is under a short-term contract which is due to end soon, necessitating the move into more permanent premises.

The new premises at 35e Mere Street (Image: Google Maps)

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The decision to relocate was met with criticism from Diss Town Council, which felt the concerns of locals had not been fully taken on board - such as the impact of queues out of the building and limited parking for customers. 

A spokesman for the council said: "It is strongly felt that options for the current location should be reviewed given it is such a focal point in the town.

"There is a view that the consultation was simply a tick-box exercise, and that the decision had already been made based purely on finances."

However, the Post Office said these issues raised were too "general" and that it would be proceeding with its relocation of the branch. 

It added that during the transfer of the branch customers may use Post Office services in Wortham and Dickleburgh. 

A spokesman added: "If there are any unforeseen circumstances which mean the moving dates change, posters will be displayed in branch to let customers know."