A VILLAGE near Winchester has turned the tide against the closure of post offices.

The branch in Ropley is due to re-open some six months after a previous post office closed, despite villagers' efforts to retain it.

It will be reopening at the Coffee Room, Church Street, Ropley, from May 13 only 50 yards from the previous site.

Opening times will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 1pm-5pm. The same services will continue to be available such as collection of pensions, benefits and tax credits.

Elizabeth Wheeler, chairman of Ropley Parish Council, said: "It is a very good thing, otherwise people have to go to Four Marks or Alresford. It's something we've always had and it's important to maintain."

Fighting to keep the service is the Ropley Village Stores and Post Office Association.

Chairman David Hope-Mason, of Gilbert Street, said: "We are delighted about it. The Post Office itself has been very supportive in trying to maintain a service."

The association, now more than 340-strong, is discussing the possibility of having a permanent store and PO in the centre of the village within the next two years as part of an affordable housing development.

Mr Hope-Mason said: "A number of problems have been put in our way but the association remains quietly confident.

"The village wants its post office and shop back."

An independent survey concluded that a majority of villagers would support the shop.