THE new post office in Westbury was officially opened on Friday, after the town centre has been without one since 2017 – and long queues quickly built up at the counter.

Petitions were signed and residents campaigned to see the day when the town regained its post office, and they turned out in force for the re-opening.

After months of planning, petitions and meetings, the Post Office has opened in McColl’s in the Market Place, with Westbury’s Mayor Cllr Ian Cunningham cutting the ribbon.

Cllr Cunningham said: “It is absolutely fantastic to have the Post Office open in such a vibrant business in the town.

“It has been a big need for this in the community, especially after the last bank closed in February.

“It is great that it is on a level, central location and easily accessible for pedestrians.

“Of course there is also the two hours free parking just behind, which was secured by Westbury Town Council.”

The PO counter in McColl’s will be open Monday-Sunday from 6am-10pm.

Cllr Cunningham added: “The long opening hours are also really great and it means people aren’t all rushing in here at once during their lunch break or at 5pm when they finish work.”

Jacqui Partner, McColl’s post office regional manager said: “We have been ever so busy and have had lots of customers to keep our staff busy.

“This is something the town has been waiting for for almost two years so it is great to be able to give them what they want.”

Dr Andrew Murrison MP had been due to attend the official opening, but had top stay in London to vote in Parliament as the Brexit wrangling continued.

He later said: “The Westbury community is absolutely delighted to have a post office again.

“The fact that it is open from early until late seven days a week makes it very convenient to do a wide range of Post Office services including banking transactions on behalf of most banks.”

Westbury lost its post office at the Co-Op in Kingfisher Drive when German giant Lidl bought the supermarket in November 2016.

While there was no Post Office in the town, people had to drive to use the offices at The Ham, in Bratton or make the longer journey to Trowbridge, Frome or Westbury.