THERE were celebrations in Quarry Bank when the town's much-missed Post Office was officially re-opened - nearly a decade after it was closed.

Residents turned out in force for the launch of the new facility - which is located inside Costcutter in the High Street.

The new venture has been in operation for just over a week but it was officially re-opened by MPs Margot James and Mike Wood who 'cut the ribbon' on Friday (December 1).

Brian Genner, who was chairman of the old Friends of Quarry Bank group, was especially chuffed to see the Post Office return - having never given up hope since the original facility was axed in early 2009 after a hard-fought battle to try and save it was lost.

He told the News: "A lot is riding on the back of this for the community and the High Street."

And he thanked Stourbridge constituency MP Ms James - whose ministerial role includes a responsibility for the Post Office - for helping to get the facility reinstated.

He said: "Amidst all the pressure of Parliamentary life she didn't forget the needs of the folk of Quarry Bank."

The Tory MP said: "After a long community led campaign, it is great news that Quarry Bank now has another Post Office - especially as everyone starts preparing for the busy Christmas period."

And she added: "I'm very fond of Quarry Bank, it's an amazing Black Country town and I love it."

She said the reopening of the Post Office was made possible thanks to a commitment made by a Tory election pledge to safeguard rural Post Offices and those in areas "less fortunate economically".

Quarry Bank Labour councillor Bryan Cotterill was among those welcoming the facility's return - saying: "I'm delighted it's come back but it never ought to have gone in the first place."

Postmaster Naranjan Kaur added: "Customers are really pleased to have a Post Office on their doorstep, making life easier for them, especially as the branch is open seven days a week."

The new facility is open from Monday to Saturday - 5.30am to 8pm and 6am to 8pm on Sunday - and, as well as posting letters and parcels, people can pay bills, withdraw cash and make balance enquiries, change currency and collect and return online shopping orders.

Tom Moran, Post Office network development director, said: "We understand how important these services are to customers, and are confident this new Post Office alongside the other branches in the area, at the intu Merry Hill shopping centre, Brierley Hill, Saltwells Road and Cradley Heath, will ensure the whole community has access to our services.”