Borehamwood's long-awaited new Post Office finally opened in Shenley Road this week ,, signalling the removal of the controversial car park cabin.

The new Post Office at 49 Shenley Road was launched on Monday, after customers had waited more than 15 months for a permanent premises to be opened.

The franchise holder for the new facility immediately announced longer opening hours on Saturdays, and promised an improved service for business customers.

But the new Post Office, which is situated within a Londis supermarket, was criticised this week for failing to provide adequate queuing space.

Mahesh Patel, who used to run the cabin and holds the franchise for the new facility, said: 'The customers have left here very happy ,, I hope the venture will be a success.'

The Post Office will now be open until 5.30pm on Saturdays, instead of 12.30pm, and will open between 9am and 5.30pm six days-a-week.

Electricity keys will be available from the counter of the supermarket, which will open from 8am to 8pm, and there will be a special arrangement for business customers using the Post Office.

Although Councillor Eileen Stanley, a member of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, who has campaigned for a permanent post office, said the new facility was not good enough.

'I think the whole thing is an absolute disgrace; the Post Office has let us down and we deserve better,' she said.

Mrs Stanley said that forcing people to queue in aisles of food was not satisfactory for either post office or supermarket customers.

The temporary cabin in Boulevard 25 retail park, which was opened after the closure of the post office facility in Safeway in March last year, was due to be removed this week.