TAVISTOCK’s only post office is running a restricted service this week and next due to staff shortages and the installation of new tills, writes Sarah Pitt.

A notice has been posted on the front door of the branch in Abbey Place stating the times of the closures.

Today, Thursday, March 17, the post office will be shut from 1.30pm for two hours for replacement tills to be installed. tAnd tomorrow, Friday, March 18, the post office counter will be shut from 1.30pm.

Then from Monday to Sunday next week, March 21 to 27, the main post office counter will be closed and what is described as ‘limited services’ will be offered alongside the the main counter of the shop.

A Post Office spokesperson said: ‘Tavistock Post Office is experiencing staffing issues and work is also being carried out at the branch. There will be a reduced service over the next couple of weeks.

‘We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Alternative branches in the area include Whitchurch, Mary Tavy and Horrabridge.

‘The branch will be closed on Thursday morning (March 17) whilst new tills are installed and on Friday afternoon (March 18) from 1.30pm.

‘Then, from 21 – 27 March, there will be just one counter open alongside the retail counter, which offers limited services.’

The full addresses of the nearest alternative branches are: Whitchurch Post Office, 234 Whitchurch Road, Tavistock PL19 9DQ; Mary Tavy, Tavistock PL19 9PA; and Horrabridge Store, Commercial Road, Horrabridge PL20 7QB.

The Times understands anecdotely that the Tavistock post office branch has been short of staff for some time.

The Post Office spokesperson added: ‘The branch is trying to recruit extra staff to operate the Post Office.’ The branch, the only one in town, is housed within the Central Convenience Store.