ODIHAM has its post office back – and it has gained a barber’s shop.

Kevin Molloy, Hook subpostmaster, reopened the Odiham post office last Monday in new premises in High Street. The previous branch, at other premises in High Street, closed in June this year when its temporary sub-postmaster left.

Mr Molloy, 44, who will run the branch with his partner Jacqueline Wheeler, said having a barber working in the back of the store should help to pay the rent.

He said: “We have three chairs there. We looked around the High Street and thought there was a demand for it. It’s in the back, so we won’t get hair over the envelopes.”

The new branch is a Post Office Local, where postal services are operated from an open plan counter. It also sells cards and stationery. Mr Molloy took up the running of the Hook post office in 1994, after 30 years of management by his parents.

He said the response from Odiham villagers to the reopening has been brilliant.

Mr Molloy added: “They are really glad to have it back. The residents seem proud of their High Street and want to use it.

“There are not many post offices that close and then reopen so it’s a fantastic opportunity for Odiham to prove they need their post office and if they use it, they will keep it.”

The new branch, at 45a High Street, is 275 yards from its original location at 115 High Street.