Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has welcomed the resumption of post facilities for residents in Somerton from next week.

Australia Post was forced to temporarily defer the town’s postal services to Tamworth when the previous outlet at the Somerton Hotel ceased trading due to unforeseen circumstances.

However, a new agreement was reached with the local service station in Somerton to perform the functions of a Community Postal Agent (CPA). The Somerton CPA will provide mail and parcel collection including post office boxes and basic postal services to the community.

“This is great news for the people in Somerton especially during this time of social distancing and increased need for parcel services to rural communities,” Mr Joyce said.

“I have been following this matter closely and have been advocating to have the primary functions of a postal service returned to the village so this is a pleasing result.”

Somerton CPA will open Wednesday, September 2.

Australia Post will be informing local residents this week and have advised all mail previously relocated to the Westdale site in Tamworth will be available at Somerton from the opening date.

(ENDS)