by Matt Johnson

matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk

A new sub-postmaster has been appointed to take the helm at Coulsdon's town centre post office, it has emerged.

The branch in Lion Green Road finally reopened on Wednesday after being closed for nearly three weeks.

Post Office Ltd said the initial reason for closure was for an audit to be carried out. Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway wrote to the company's managing director, Alan Cook, demanding action be taken.

A response from Mr Cook, received this week, stated: "I am delighted to confirm that a temporary sub-postmaster has been appointed and Coulsdon post office will reopen."

The branch, which had been closed since May 5, reopened on Wednesday.

But although staff were present that morning, the post office did not open until the afternoon, leading many customers who braved the morning rain to be turned away.

Rachel Hewitt, 41, of Reddown Road, Coulsdon, said: "There should be a notice outside saying why they're closed and when they will be open again so people know.

"I didn't know it was closed.

"I just walked in and after a few minutes they said, 'We're closed.'

"I only wanted to buy some stamps."

Another customer said: "I'm not particularly happy about it. I only wanted one stamp. It's frustrating."

Staff at the post office branch declined to comment but a spokesman for Post Office Ltd said: "We are delighted that we have been able to reopen the office and would like to apologise to customers for the delays in doing this.

"We are grateful to customers for their patience during this time."

However, the spokesman did not offer an explanation of why the branch had remained closed for so long for the audit.