Post Office closure delay is 'significant step'

Residents have been given more time to secure the future of their town centre Post Office after plans to close it were delayed.

The branch, which operates from the Morrisons store in Thatcham, was earmarked for closure this month but will now remain open until 4 October.

The extension comes as the Post Office searches for a new operator, with applications being accepted until 10 July.

Liberal Democrat MP Lee Dillon welcomed the decision, describing it as a "significant step in the right direction".

He said he had been lobbying the Post Office and Morrisons since the proposed closure was announced, while also gathering residents' views through a constituency survey.

According to Dillon, local people highlighted the importance of the branch for postal services, banking, cash withdrawals, bill payments and parcel services.

Concerns were also raised about the impact a closure could have on older residents, people with limited transport options and businesses that rely on the Post Office.

He said: "That feedback has been invaluable in demonstrating why Thatcham needs a town centre Post Office and why we had to fight for more time."

The Post Office will assess applications from prospective operators before carrying out checks and appointing a new provider.

Dillon said he remained cautiously optimistic about the branch's future, noting that several local businesses had expressed an interest in taking on the service.

He pledged to keep residents updated as efforts continue to secure a long-term solution beyond October.