TWO Darlington Post Office branches are to benefit from refurbishment works in the coming weeks.

The Cockerton branch, in West Auckland Road, will close on April 21 for nine days, while improvements are carried out.

When it re-opens on Thursday, April 30, it will have new serving positions and open-plan counters.

During the closure, customers are being directed to the Branksome branch, in Whitby Way, and the main town centre Post Office, in Crown Street.

Area manager Anne Clarke said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

She added: “We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the community will meet customer needs. This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future. The investment marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

Meanwhile, a modernised Post Office concession within the One Stop store, in Yarm Road, will launch on Friday, May 1.

It will close on Saturday, April 25, to allow the work to be carried out.

During this time, customers can use the Geneva Road branch, or the main Post Office in town.

Once the work is complete, customers will be able to access a wide range of Post Office services.