WHY did the Post Office cross the road? To create a new "focal point" for residents of the Horsefair area of Kidderminster, according to bosses.

Monday saw the opening of the Horsefair Post Office's new home on the other side of the road from its previous premises in a move masterminded by brothers Bill and Bob Sidhu, who run the business.

They are hoping the move will benefit the economy of the Horsefair by bringing more people into the area and boosting trade at nearby shops.

"Before, a lot of people had to go into town for their bits and pieces," Bill Sidhu said. "This will be a big boost to elderly people and young mothers as they won't have to get taxis and buses."

The reason for this, he said, was that the Post Office now aims to be a "focal point for the community", with an off-licence, grocery and convenience store all on offer in brighter, larger and more modern premises.

Mr Sidhu added: "We have all the services we had over the road. But we now have the technology to provide other services. The Post Office is trying to focus on banking as bank branches are closing down."

The Horsefair Post Office's previous home was old-fashioned and blighted by steel props near the entrance, and a step between a lower and higher level which saw customers frequently tripping over.

And the future could also see an in-store bakery become one of the attractions of the new site.

Mr Sidhu said: "The Post Office is going through a period of modernisation. It is closing smaller offices and people who run larger branches are being encouraged to invest in them.

"The Horsefair Post Office is now clean, bright, friendly and a place the whole community can revolve around."