Hopes to reopen closed post office

9:16am Sunday 7th September 2008

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A POST office in Basingstoke that closed in June might reopen.

The sub-post office, based in Brighton Hill Parade, Brighton Hill, shut after bosses running McColl's convenience store, where it was based, decided not to renew their lease.

But this week, a spokesman for Royal Mail confirmed the company is working towards getting an office back in Brighton Hill.

Jacquie Stenson, spokeswoman for Royal Mail, said: "We're working towards getting the post office open."

Boots UK has announced it will move its Alliance Pharmacy store, in Brighton Hill Parade, to the former McColl's premises in late October.

However, neither Boots nor Royal Mail would say whether a sub-post office could be installed at the new Boots store.

The new store will trade as "your local Boots pharmacy" and provide an improved range of products.

Vicki Ferrier, spokeswoman for Boots UK, said: "The new store will offer customers the same expert healthcare and prescription service from the same friendly and knowledgeable team."

Brighton Hill North borough councillor Brian Gurden has been working behind the scenes with Post Office Ltd bosses to get the sub-post office reopened.

He said: "From the moment the post office shut, I've made it my number one priority to get it back. The people of Brighton Hill have been highly inconvenienced by this closure, some of whom are 90 and face long trips for vital services.

"I hope to make a positive announcement very soon."