A GOVERNMENT minister has visited Worcester to officially open a Post Office at a corner shop.

Kwasi Kwarteng, minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, congratulated M S Virk for installing the much needed service at the shop he has run in Northfield Street, Arboretum for over 35 years.

Robin Walker, the Conservative prospective candidate for Worcester, was also there to see the opening.

Mr Walker said: “This shop is a real hub for the community and a corner shop like this is vital and it fulfils a real need.

“I felt frustrated when the main Post Office closed in the city and I campaigned on the matter and it frustrated me.

Mr Virk said: “I asked officials 35 years ago to have a Post Office here but I was told that wasn’t possible but this is a very proud day for me and I’m delighted to welcome them here today.

“The Post Office told me there is a shortage at the moment in the city so they encouraged me to open the service here.

“Everyday this part of my business is used and word is spreading so people don’t have to walk all the way to W H Smiths in the city centre and negotiate the steeps stairs.

Mr Kwarteng was asked about the impact of Brexit on small businesses and he said the way forward way was to get Brexit done as otherwise the Brexit debate is just “talking in circles” and that the people have voted to leave the EU so it needs to happen.