Elizabeth Fish

A revamped Post Office in Lincoln held an official launch ceremony for its new look, inviting the city’s MP to cut the ribbon.

The Bailgate Post Office officially reopened at 10am on April 25, with Lincoln’s Conservative MP Karl McCartney doing the honours.

The improved Post Office will have longer opening hours and a modernised feel, with the original screened tills moved to make more space in the shop.

A variety of services will be available from the branch too, which is open 9am until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Karl McCartney MP said: “I welcomed the news that Bailgate Post Office was to be modernised and am delighted to be here today to congratulate Simon on his hard work and to formally open the new branch.

He added: “The Post Office is vital to the community around Bailgate and I’m sure the new improved office, and the longer opening hours, will be warmly welcomed by all of my constituents.”

Subpostmaster Simon Clarke added: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to open the new branch and I am very pleased to be officially launching it today for the community.”

“I’d also like to thank Karl McCartney MP for taking time from his busy schedule to come here today, and also to thank the local community for their continued support and use of the branch.”

The Government has set aside £1.34 billion to improve and modernise the Post Office network, which is now independent of Royal Mail, and ensure there are no branch closures going forward.

Police in Lincoln received a number of complaints regarding cars being spray painted overnight in Birchwood.

Officers received a number of calls relating to residents on Hazelwood Avenue, Larchwood Crescent and Clematis Approach having their cars vandalised with graffiti.

Some also had their sheds and garages damaged.

Photo: Abbie Staples

Overall, eight cars are confirmed to have been spray painted with black paint, all thought to have happened overnight between April 24 and 25.

Photo: Abbie Staples

Photo: Trina Breward

Inspector Mark Hillson said: “These are strange and unusual incidents which appear to be a one-off.

“We appreciate the inconvenience and frustration people must have felt waking up this morning to find that their cars and some property had been criminally damaged, but we also hope that officers carrying out visits in the area can reassure others living around there that this seems to have been an isolated instance.

“It seems that one individual or a small group of individuals have carried this out in these streets, which are all very close to each other, and we are asking people who may have seen or heard anything around the area to contact us so that we can find those responsible.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lincolnshire Police on the 101 non-emergency number, quoting incident 44 of April 25, 2014.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.