9:00am Friday 10th April 2009
By Scott McPherson
LONG serving Nettleton post mistress Di Bell has spoken of her delight at being shortlisted for a national award.
Mrs Bell, 59, has run the post office near Castle Combe since 1977 and it has now been shortlisted for the Best Post Office in the Central and West region in the 2009 Best Post Office Awards.
She said: “This is so special because it was my customers voting who got us this far.
“If it was solely down to consumer satisfaction I think we would win hands down but sales also play a part and as a rural post office that might let us down.
“I have loved every day working here in Nettleton and, although the way the post office operates has changed, it has been nice to see the same families coming and going.”
Although the post office is based in a rural location, it has more than 500 people on its records, which meant it was saved from closure last year when many were shut down nationwide.
Last year Nettleon was named the best village store and post office in the country in the Countryside Alliance’s Best Rural Retailer of the Year.
Mrs Bell said: “We have certainly had a few exciting years and I am determined to keep going just as long as my customers want me.”
Mike Dalton of Post Office Ltd said: “These awards are a great opportunity for our customers to tell us which branches are the very best.
“Whether people visit the Post Office to pay their bills or pick up their travel money, we’re delighted that they feel these teams should be recognised for their hard work and excellent customer service.”
The regional winners of the award for Best Post Office will be announced at the end of this month and the overall winner will be announced on May 21.
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