work to improve customer service is taking longer than planned.

Postmaster General Clevelyn Crichlow said the Queen Street office will not be opened as at first hoped next Monday, but on April 23.

Perot Post Office, named after Bermuda's first postmaster William Bennett Perot who issued the first Bermuda stamp in 1848, is being re-wired to cater for new computerised cash registers.

A small office is also being provided inside the small open-plan postal store in order for staff to count cash out of the glare of the public.

But Mr. Crichlow has assured the people of Bermuda that the work will be carried out tastefully, in keeping with the theme of the historic post office.

And he said, despite the three-week closure, customers will barely be able to recognise the difference.

He said: "We assumed it was going to be up and running by the 16th of this month, but it's going to be more like the 23rd now.

"We are trying to automate all of the counters by putting in new cash registers in order to provide a better and quicker service for the customers.

"But we have been treading very carefully. All of the old counters will remain, and there will be very little difference that the customer will notice.

"The building dates back to the early 1700s and is controlled by the Bermuda National Trust, so everything is being done accordingly.

"However, the electricity and wiring we had was not suitable for the new cash registers, so we have had to re-wire the building.

"When it opens for business, it should provide an improved service for the customers and the staff.'' While the work is being carried out, staff from the old post office have been training to use the new tills, and are working at other post offices around the Island.

No access: The Perot post office will remain closed.