EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe cut the ribbon today (Friday, 8 March) at the official re-opening of Corringham's Post Office on St John's Way.

The branch had closed in February 2023 following the retirement of long-serving postmaster Pravin 'Bob' Patel.

The refurbished site has three Post Office counters – two full screen and an open plan counter. Similar Post Office products and services as before are now available.

Mr Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, said: "It is great to have a Post Office in the town centre again at this very convenient location that residents and business are already familiar with.

"I want to congratulate Postmaster Mohasin Pathan on his big investment into Corringham. The whole premises has been refurbished and it looks great with all the new retail very recently added. This new-look store has breathed fresh life into this shopping area."

Mr Pathan is a highly experienced Postmaster for 10 years. He currently has two other Post Offices one in Green Street, Forest Gate and also Queens Crescent in Kentish Town.

The Post Office actually opened several weeks ago, and that was quickly followed by the closure of the last bank, Lloyds, in Corringham.

Mr Pathan said: "My priority was to get the Precinct Post Office open as soon as possible.

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"Here you can do business and personal banking on behalf of all the major high street banks. People are delighted that the branch has re-opened. Local businesses and customers have been lovely and really welcoming. Longer opening hours, than the previous branch, make it easy to pop in.

"I then reflected on what retail to offer in such a large retail space. I've added lots of different types of retail all under one roof. As well as cards and stationery that you expect alongside a Post Office there are drinks and confectionery as well as household goods."

The opening hours for The Precinct are: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6.30pm.

Mr Mohammed Islam, Post Office Network Provision Lead, said: "We are delighted that Mohasin Pathan, a highly experienced Postmaster, has taken on yhe Precinct Post Office, restoring a branch in this area of Corringham and with longer hours. There is a large retail space and Mohasin has made good use of it. There is a wide choice of retail."