CHARD Post Office will soon have new owners as two “highly experienced postmasters” are taking over.

Steve and Teresa Smith, who also run post offices in Crewkerne and Beaminster, are to take over as the new owners of Chard Post Office, and the manager and all of the staff are remaining.

The branch will be closed on Tuesday, May 14 for the transfer and it will hopefully re-open later that afternoon or on Wednesday morning (Wednesday, May 15).

The new opening hours will be Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm; Saturday: 9am – 4pm; Sunday: 9am – 1pm. This will offer 56 hours of Post Office service a week.

From the start customers will see immediate improvements to the retail ranges and more improvements will be made over the coming weeks.

Steve and Teresa said: “We will be introducing several new stock lines including a Photo Booth and a photocopier.

“We would like to thank you all for your patience and support whilst we complete these and many more additions to your already busy Post Office.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Steve and Teresa are highly experienced postmasters.

“They have Crewkerne Post Office, which was their first branch alongside their Dailyz Tech business that repairs computers and mobiles and has a wide range of accessories.

“Their second Post Office is in Beaminster Post Office, which opened in 2022. They also operate Crewkerne Mobile Post Office that serves 14 communities.

“Chard Post Office shop premises are double the size of the shop at Crewkerne and Steve and Teresa will be doubling the retail range.

“They will create a room for greeting cards. A photo booth will be added and children’s pocket money toys introduced.”

Steve and Teresa took over at 18 Hogshill Street, in Beaminster, last year.

A major project to transform Beaminster Post Office inside a Grade II listed building successfully trebled the retail space of the shop, which will benefit the community.

Steve and Teresa also expanded the retail area.

They also own Crewkerne Post Office at the Dailyztech store.