Pharmacy post office marks one year in Immingham

A pharmacy is marking a year of also operating as a town's post office, after the closure of a temporary branch.

Immingham had been without a post office since the branch at Immingham Civic Centre shut, leaving residents without access to either a post office or a bank.

Mohammed Moyeed and his business partner Sami Syed run Immingham Pharmacy. A year ago, they opened a Post Office inside the premises, combining pharmacy, postal and Post Office banking services under one roof.

Mr Moyeed, who is also the postmaster, said: "The amount of people that come in to use it is incredible, on average we have 1200 to 1500 customers that we serve every week on the counter."

He said banking services accounted for about 60% of transactions, including use by local businesses.

Mr Moyeed said: "I wondered how people managed when the banks and post office closed, it must have been a tough time for people."

He added: "We've turned a closed service into a thriving community hub, a blueprint for the British high street."

Residents say the combined service has made a significant difference.

Liz Bingham, who has lived in Immingham all her life, said: "When they shut the post office it was awful with all the banks gone too so this is a lifesaver, it's brilliant and I do all my banking so I don't have to go all the way to Grimsby and it's also a great help for the old people."

Her daughter Ellie Bingham said: "It's great for those who don't have family, it's a brilliant idea for them."

The business partners say they are now looking to build on the first year's success by expanding the services available at the pharmacy,

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