THE PETITION that was launched in a bid to save an Eastleigh post office from closure has today reached over 650 signatures.

This comes after the Fryern Arcade post office in Chandler's Ford officially closed yesterday after a short notice period from Post Office LTD.

Residents in Chandler's Ford were outraged by this decision, as the post office is in the centre of Chandler's Ford, and due to the large elderly population in the area that are beyond pension age, many people reply on the facility, and would struggle getting to another one.

In a letter sent to the Post Office by the Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Chandler's Ford, Paula Ferguson and the Councillors for the ward, they expressed their 'deep concerns' about the closure's impact on the area, especially at such short notice.

It said: "Fryern Precinct and the surrounding facilities lie at the heart of Chandler’s Ford and have good public transport access and parking facilities for those able to use them. Residents feel so strongly that this is a loss of an essential amenity that in one day, so many people signed a petition to save the Post Office"

It also stated that former postmaster, Daljinder Athwal had agreed to take back her resignation and carry on until a suitable applicant is found, which would allow the post office to continue to serve residents this autumn, and during the busy Christmas post period so local residents would not be left without the ability to access and use a post office which is at the heart of Chandler’s Ford.

A representative from the post office has said: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the Fryern Hill branch. We know that local communities value their Post Office and that the situation at Fryern Hill will be concerning for our customers. We are aware of the petition and correspondence from the community."

Councillor Tim Groves, involved in writing the letter to Post Office LTD said: "I am going to press for the post office services in Chandler’s Ford to be restored immediately."