Monmouthshire County Councillors Peter Strong and Jackie Strong have “cut the ribbon” today (17/10) at the official opening of Caldicot Post Office and brand-new convenience store at Unit 4 Holman House, 36-38 Newport Road, Caldicot, NP26 4BQ.

This brand-new convenience store has restored Post Office services to Caldicot with new Postmaster Bobby Nakum and his wife, Bhavna. This has also re-introduced banking services to Caldicot town centre as there are no banks left in Caldicot.

The official opening was performed by Cllr Peter Strong, Vice Chair of Monmouthshire County Council, and his wife Cllr Jackie Strong, who represents Caldicot Cross ward and is the council’s Elderly People Champion.

Catherine Fookes MP, Cllr Paul Griffiths MCC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Caldicot Mayor Cllr Maxine Mitchell, alongside Monmouthshire County Council and Caldicot Town Council councillors, also attended the community celebration.

Caldicot Post Office unfortunately closed when the McColl’s store, where the branch was based shut, in January 2023. Post Office and Monmouthshire County Council have been working closely to re-open a replacement Caldicot Post Office at the heart of the town.

A grant from Monmouthshire County Council enabled the refit of the former empty shop, with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. This has created a modern, light, bright and airy Post Office and well-stocked convenience store.

Monmouthshire County Councillor Paul Griffiths, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “The new Post Office will provide a valuable service to Caldicot residents. I am grateful to the Post Office for working with Monmouthshire County Council in identifying premises and attracting a new business to provide this post office service in Caldicot Town Centre. We were able to work with Welsh Government in gaining funds which have supported the refurbishment of the formerly empty shop. I believe that the people of Caldicot will support this new service and ensure that it has a long-term future.”

The shop’s landlord Monmouthshire Housing Association has also waived two months’ rent to help Bobby to get his new business off the ground.

Simon Davies, Monmouthshire Housing’s Development Surveyor said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with Monmouthshire County Council and Bobby and Bhavna Nakum to help bring a much-needed Post Office back to Caldicot.

“The stars aligned when MHA’s commercial unit became available whilst the Council were actively seeking the perfect location for a new Caldicot Post Office.  The Post Office forms part of the ongoing wider investment and regeneration of both Holman House and Caldicot Town Centre.

“MHA wish the new postmasters a warm Welsh welcome to Caldicot and am sure Bobby and Bhavna will put their “stamp” on what will quickly become a vital lifeline for many residents, right in the heart of the Caldicot community.”

Catherine Fookes MP for Monmouthshire said: “We’re so pleased to have a Post Office open again in Caldicot. Talking to residents they tell me that they appreciate hugely, not only the services, but the social aspect as well. A huge thank-you to Bobby and Bhavna.”

Bobby and Bhavna already own Lifestyle Express convenience store in Tutshill, Chepstow, since 2017 which is just over the border in England. This will be their first store in Wales and their first Post Office, however, they are fortunate to have several friends who already run Post Offices who they can call on for help. They are also going to employ local people.

Postmaster, Bobby Nakum, said: “We’re very excited to have opened our new business in Caldicot and to be taking on our first Post Office. We greatly appreciate all the support we have received from Monmouthshire County Council, Monmouthshire Housing Association and Post Office.

“We know that the community has been eagerly awaiting the opening of Caldicot Post Office for all of the vital services that we can now provide. It’s great that the Post Office is open before the busy Christmas period, but with the wide range of services that we provide there’s a big need for this branch all year round.

“Businesses and residents can do their banking here on behalf of all the major high street banks rather than having to travel to the nearest bank. That will really help the community.

“Caldicot Post Office offers many services including car tax renewal, sending parcels, home shopping returns, bill payments and Euros and Dollars are available on demand and other currencies can pre-ordered. People can also pick up groceries from our well-stocked store.”

The new Post Office and store opening hours are Monday to Saturday: 8am – 7pm; Sunday: 9am – 5pm. This will provide 74 hours of service a week for the convenience of customers.

There is free roadside parking on the opposite side of the road to Caldicot Post Office and a 90 minute time-restricted free car park nearby.

Santosh Samudrala, Post Office Network Area Change Manager, said: “We know how important a Post Office is to a community. We are delighted to have restored a full-time Post Office to Caldicot town centre. We are very grateful to the new Postmaster Bobby Nakum for his big investment into his new business and for the support received from Monmouthshire Country Council and Monmouthshire Housing Association, which helped make this replacement Caldicot Post Office a reality. The opening hours make it very convenient to visit.”