MATT Rodda MP has urged Post Office leaders to think again following a reshuffle to services in Caversham.

A brand new centre will open on Caversham Road on February 25 as part of an effort to modernise and expand services.

The Labour MP for Reading East welcomed the news, although he feared residents would need more in this area, following the closure of a different branch.

He said: "I am pleased that this new Post Office is opening, but I am concerned about the continuing lack of a proper sub Post Office in Caversham.

"I am pressing the Post Office to open a new sub Post Office in Caversham village centre, where it is urgently needed by local residents and businesses."

Ayo Sokale, Labour candidate for Caversham, started an online petition after it was revealed the existing facility – Caversham Post Office – would close.

The Post Office is due to close on January 30, following the resignation of the postmaster.

Representatives have insisted this new facility is not a replacement site and discussions with an 'interested retailer' are taking place to restore a Post Office to Caversham.

Based at Caversham Convenience Store, which opened in December, the new Post Office will offer customers a wide range of services.

It will be open seven days a week and a total of 110 hours of service across seven days, including opening hours of 8am to 10pm on Sunday.

Carlos Pereira, area network change manager, added: “We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to pay their bills, withdraw cash from their bank accounts and send and collect their mail at a time and place that suits them best.

"We know how important our services are to customers and are confident that this brand new Post Office alongside the other branches in the area at Broad Street Mall and Salisbury Road will ensure that people in this area of Reading have easy access to our services.”