A DATE has been set for the opening of a new post office in a Hampshire village.

The long-awaited facility will be based at the Welcome store in Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, from June 10, subject to any delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will be directly opposite the previous post office, which closed in August last year after the postmistress resigned.

Due to the impact of coronavirus the new facility will initially operate a reduced hours service - 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

It is hoped that the hours will increase to 7am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday and 8am to 9pm on Sundays.

A Post Office spokesman said: "Post office services will be provided from a counter alongside the retail counter.

"The Post Office is now inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the move. We are looking for feedback about accessibility, local community issues and anything we can do to make life easier for our customers.

"Comments will be accepted until June 16 and will be taken into consideration as plans are finalised."

As reported in the Daily Echo, the Welcome store was opened earlier this year by Richard Dance and his wife Karen, who are trading from the former Sainsbury’s Local shop.

The previous post office was run by Elizabeth Kernaghan, who stepped down in August.

She is reported to have said: "I am disappointed to be leaving but it has not been working for me. It would be a real shame if it did not carry on as the branch has been in the village for a long time."

The closure coincided with the news that Sainsbury's Local and CJs bakery were also shutting.

Sainsbury's said its decision was based "on a range of factors" while CJs owners, Susan Czajkauski and Cheryl Hughes, were reported to have refused to sign a new lease on the shop.

Views on the proposed new post office can be submitted online at postofficeviews.co.uk using the branch code 220546.

Submissions can also emailed to comments@postoffice.co.uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by telephoning 03452 66 01 15.

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