Town centre shops in Fakenham have been urged to consider becoming the permanent home of a Post Office branch.

The Post Office is looking for somewhere to set up a new home in the town, and launched an online application process earlier this week.

A temporary 'pop-up' Post Office has been operating in Miller’s Walk since February 2020.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Tom FitzPatrick, county councillor for FakenhamTom FitzPatrick, county councillor for Fakenham (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2015)

Tom FitzPatrick, county councillor for Fakenham, said: “The temporary fix has been good for continuing the service, and given that continuity.

"But I would fully support anything that allowed service to be normalised and also give the reassurance that it is a permanent solution and that Fakenham will once again have a full post office, which is important not only for the town but the surrounding villages.

“Particularly when villages like Walsingham have lost their mobile Post Office, and even though it is still a distance away from some, people know there is a Post Office within reach.”

The town's most recent permanent Post Office was inside the McColl’s store in Miller’s Walk, but this closed in January 2020.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Staff at the Fakenham 'pop-up' post office when it opened in February 2020Staff at the Fakenham 'pop-up' post office when it opened in February 2020 (Image: Archant)

A temporary service was based in the Market Square until the pop-up shop opened at the former Thomas Cook shop.

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Fakenham & Wells Times: The view from the Rainbow Deli in Fakenham as people used the mobile post office for the first timeThe view from the Rainbow Deli in Fakenham as people used the mobile post office for the first time (Image: Naomi Katze/Rainbow Deli Norfolk)

The Post Office website said the new branch should: “integrate Post Office services into a vibrant and sustainable retail business, so they can be offered over the same opening hours.

"The exact layout and design will be agreed with you to suit your business."

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Fakenham & Wells Times: The queue for the Post office at Miller's Walk in FakenhamThe queue for the Post office at Miller's Walk in Fakenham (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Should a suitable business come forward there would be a period of consultation. If more than one business came forward there would be a review by the Post Office to establish the best location.