A PARTIAL postal service has been restored at a popular post office which closed last year. The Handside branch, which was located inside Huttons newsagents in Marsden Road, WGC, was axed in November, despite fierce opposition from employees, customers an

A PARTIAL postal service has been restored at a popular post office which closed last year.

The Handside branch, which was located inside Huttons newsagents in Marsden Road, WGC, was axed in November, despite fierce opposition from employees, customers and councillors.

But on Friday, shop manager Richard Edlin, pictured right, contacted the WHT to confirm some postal services have been reinstated.

Mr Edlin said: "I have bought a franking machine and we are now set up as Huttons postal services.

"We will post anything for anybody - individuals and businesses."

Mr Edlin said he can post letters, packets and parcels anywhere in the word at "Royal Mail prices", but confirmed he cannot currently offer any priority services, such as recorded delivery.

And of the benefits for local businesses, he said: "As long as they make an arrangement first it is ideal for business customers, because they can come in and drop off their post without having to queue."

Mr Edlin added: "There is also a new free-to-use 24-hour cash machine coming in the next few weeks."

The news has been welcomed by former Welwyn Hatfield borough councillor

Dr Dennis Lewis, who set up a council of war to fight the closure of the branch.

"I think Richard and his colleagues are to be heartily congratulated on getting this together," he said.

"I think he has done a great service to the local community by using his initiative to keep a postal service going.

The 80-year-old added: "It will provide a boost for the local community."

For more information about the services on offer, call Huttons on 01707 322691.