After a long-fought campaign, it has been announced that Shap Post Office is to reopen.

Since closing in February 2023 due to the resignation of the postmaster, Shap has been without Post Office products and services.

Customers of main UK banks can access accounts at new branch and services that will be available at the branch include bill payment, cash withdrawals and foreign currency, postage, home shopping collections and returns.

Scott Hamilton, Post Office network provision lead, said he hope the community would welcome the return of the branch.

“We are delighted to be restoring Post Office services to Shap as we know how important a Post Office is to a community,” said Scott.

“I know that the local community will join me in welcoming this good news and hope that our customers will continue to use this service.”

The decision to reopen the branch in Shap has been praised by Penrith and the Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson who has campaigned for the reopening.

Dr Hudson has fought to reopen this vital lifeline for rural residents and secured a one on one meeting with the relevant Department for Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP where he raised his concerns directly.

On top of this he made formal representations to other Ministers and wrote to Post Office chiefs.

Dr Neil Hudson MP said: "I am simply delighted our hard work has paid off and Post Office services will be returning to Shap later this month.

“This is such a shot in the arm for Shap and its outlying rural communities that face geographic challenges in accessing vital postal, financial and government services.

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"I thank Minister Hollinrake and the Post Office for grasping the need to provide those of us in rural areas with the same services as our urban counterparts.

“This is a big win for Shap and is propelling local campaigners and me to push further for public and local services to be further cemented in our countryside communities."

The Post Office will be open from 7am-4pm on Monday-Friday; from 7am-1pm on Saturday; and will remain closed on Sundays.