Amanda Hack MP for North West Leicestershire, “cut the ribbon” (7/11) to mark the official opening of Coalville Post Office at its new location – Fare on the Square, Marlborough Square, Coalville, LE67 3WD.
This has restored Post Office services to Coalville after the previous branch at Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LF, closed in January 2025, due to the resignation of the postmaster.
Krishan Joshi, who was postmaster for Coalville Post Office from 2002 – 2017, is once again at the helm at the same location as before, which had stood empty. There are three full-screen Post Office counters and a modern convenience store.
With wife, Reena, they have re-opened the Post Office and convenience store breathing new-life into the area. They have created jobs at the site and are looking at recruiting more local people. Krishan has used his 30 years of retail experience to source bargains and deals for customers for his value-led shop, alongside Co-op branded goods.
The opening hours are Monday – Friday: 9am – 5.30pm; Saturday: 9am – 12.30pm. This provides 46 hours of Post Office service a week for the convenience of customers.
“I’m delighted to be part of the official opening of Coalville Post Office, restoring an important service to the town centre. Residents and local businesses really felt its absence, so it’s wonderful to see it open again.
“It’s also great to see Krishan Joshi return as Postmaster for Coalville. When I first met him after the closure of the Ashby Road branch, he shared his vision to bring these services back to Marlborough Square, and I was pleased to support his efforts.
“The Post Office provides vital services, from parcels to banking and acting as a hub for local trade. It’s fantastic to see it once again at the heart of our community.”
The Marlborough Square area has recently been pedestrianised and this area, which historically was the market square and the bustling hub of the town. It has now been designated a new conservation area. Krishan is working with the council to agree a complete new frontage for the store with a heritage feel including timber frames.
Krishan has been a postmaster since 1999 and has experience of running four different branches including Ashby De La Zouch in Leicestershire and Swadlincote and Kilburn branches in Derbyshire.
Postmaster Krishan Joshi said: “It’s really good to have Coalville Post Office again. There’s a buzz of excitement in this area about the area’s regeneration. Customers are delighted that we are back running the branch in the heart of the town centre after an eight-year gap. They much prefer this central location instead of being in the filling station.”
A very extensive range of Post Office services is available. As well as personal and business banking and bill payments, there are a range of mail services including DPD buy in branch and drop off and collections.
There is also a comprehensive range of foreign currencies on demand and people can get their passports renewed, checked and sent for renewal. Customers can also renew vehicle tax, get ID verification services and collect Biometric Residence Permits.
There is time restricted parking with a designated disabled bay nearby.
Post Office Area Change Manager, Anne Murphy, said: “We know how important a Post Office is to this community and we are delighted to have a great-looking new branch, with an extensive range of Post Office services in the town again. As a very experienced postmaster and retailer, Krishan has hit the ground running.”