Julie Marson, MP for Hertford and Stortford, “cut the ribbon” last Thursday (3 August 2023) to officially open the new Post Office on Ware High Street, which has restored service to the town centre.
Ware lost its main branch when the Martin’s store, where Ware Post Office was based, closed in January. The old Post office was closed when Morrisons decided to close the Martin’s shop. As soon as she learnt of the planned closure, Julie launched a campaign to save Ware High Street’s Post Office.
This has now re-opened, after a full refit alongside a UOE branded stationery store. Highly experienced Postmaster, Elliot Jacobs, is at the helm.
Advertising posters at the shop aptly state: “Your Post Office, back Ware it belongs!”
Julie Marson MP said: “I am truly delighted that Ware Post Office has re-opened. The fully refurbished retail store looks great. It is wonderful to have these vital Post Office services back in the town centre. It also provides somewhere for people to do their banking. This really benefits residents and businesses and boosts the shopping centre. I have worked hard to secure this with the Post Office and Elliot since the former Post Office’s closure.”
There are three full-screened counters and an open plan Post Office counter alongside the retail counter. The same wide range of Post Office services as before are available.
The UOE Store specialises in stationery, packaging materials, greetings cards, ID-Photos, design-led gifts and novelties while also offering a range of essential services including copying, printing, binding and laminating.
The opening hours for Ware Post Office and UOE store are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm; Thursday: 10am – 5.30pm. This later start allows time for staff training and development to maintain high customer service.
Ware Postmaster Elliot Jacobs said: “I am excited to have re-opened a Post Office in Ware providing much-needed services to the town. Ware was hit hard by the closure of the Post Office and all of the town’s big banks. Businesses and individuals now have somewhere to do their business and personal banking. Ware Post Office is conveniently located, saving them time and effort.
“As Postmaster for the neighbouring town of Hertford I know Ware and I have a good idea of what’s likely to work well for my new Post Office and retail business. I will be employing local people. Also, initially I am drawing on my experienced staff from Hertford to ensure that we can hit the ground running.”
This is Elliot’s third Post Office in Hertfordshire as he took on Potters Bar and Hertford in 2019 and he also operates five in North London. The successful businessman has served as a Non-Executive Director on Post Office Ltd’s board since 2021
Anthony Bayley, Post Office Network Provision Lead, said: “We are delighted to have restored a Post Office to Ware town centre as we know how important a Post Office is to a community due to all of the vital services that it provides. The branch’s opening hours will make it convenient for customers to visit.”