A Rhayader business has revealed how it has coped during the coronavirus lockdown, as it revealed plans to extend its opening hours as the lockdown begins to lift.

Rhayader Post Office has operated on reduced hours and days due to staff needing to shield from the virus.

“It has been extremely busy for our staff dealing with the increased daily workload.,” Hilary McPhee and post office staff said.

“We thank all our customers very much and appreciate everyone’s continued understanding and patience during this dreadful pandemic.”

The East Street branch has this week announced that it will further extend its opening hours by two hours.

Two-metre social distancing restrictions will remain place, and only one counter will be open.

A Rhayader Post Office spokesperson said: “We hope that these new revised hours will continue to meet the needs of our loyal customers and further reduce queuing times, but obviously we must still operate in line with Welsh Government guidelines.

“We will do our very best to maintain these new hours and will review them periodically, especially in the lead-up to the busier Christmas period.

“Again, this decision has been made after much careful consideration and with particular regards to continued social-distancing rules, workplace restrictions and staffing availability.”

From Wednesday, September 2, the post office will be open three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.

“We sincerely hope that extending our opening hours over the three days we are currently open will be sufficient to meet the needs of all in our community,” the spokesperson added.

Rhayader Post Office will be closed on Bank Holiday (Monday, August 31), however, in line with other branches across the country.

Builth Wells Post Office at Nightshades is open Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm.