A NEW Post Office has come in for criticism after residents claimed the promise of longer opening hours had not been kept.

The Blackrod branch reopened in March after it moved from its old home in New Street to the Spar in Blackhorse Street.

During the launch, the Post Office said services would be available from 8am to 10pm, in line with the Spar’s opening times.

But since its launch, residents have claimed the Post Office is closing at 5.30pm.

During Monday’s meeting of Blackrod Town Council, Cllr John Price said: “We were told by a representative from the Post Office, and it was in the paper, that it would be open longer hours in the Spar than it used to be in New Street.

“But it isn’t. It closes at the same time as the New Street office did so I think we have been misled.

“It could be a temporary problem with the opening hours but from 5.30pm there’s a sign that goes up saying ‘position closed’.

“From what I know, one of the reasons could possibly be that not all members of staff have been trained up. They have all got to have four hours’ training.”

There were also complaints about the cash machine, which charges almost £2 for withdrawals.

One resident said: “He guaranteed that the cash machine there would be free as it was in the Post Office and it isn’t. Apparently half the time it is not working; you have to pay to get your own money.”

Blackrod town clerk Stella Lowis said the council had attempted to contact the Post Office about the issues but had received no response.

A Post Office spokesman said: “ We are sorry to learn of the concerns raised by customers about Blackrod Post Office in Bolton. We will look into the issues raised.”