THE FUTURE is uncertain for a popular Chandler's Ford post office, despite campaigning from residents.

The Fryern Hill post office branch in Chandler's Ford closed on October 23 last year, but after overwhelming outrage from residents and councillors, the short notice closure was overturned and the service was restored temporarily over the Christmas period.

More than 1,700 signed a petition to keep the branch open, and the Post Office head office announced that the store would be operated by a temporary postmaster in its current premises over the festive seasons, while a more permanent solution would be looked into to restore the service to Chandler's Ford in the new year.

But a solution has yet to be found, and now the Post Office head office is now appealing to shop owners to incorporate the branch into their business.

A Post Office spokesperson, said: “We are committed to maintaining a service at Fryern Hill. The branch is currently operated by a temporary Postmaster whilst we continue to look for a permanent solution.

“Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk email ND.enquiries@postoffice.co.uk or phone 0333 345 5560, then select option 2.”

Councillor Tim Groves, who was at the forefront of the campaign to maintain the service is "very disappointed" with the uncertainty and that a solution has not already been found.

He said: " The Post Office closed the Chandler’s Ford Branch down without any warning or consultation in October last year, and as a result of the petition by the community with 1700 signatures agreed to find a way to reopen it in November for the busy pre-Christmas period, but they have not yet informed us of a permanent solution.

"They do say, however, that they will be advertising for retailers to express an interest.

"I am very pleased that the Post Office were able to react to our campaign to save the Post Office on the run up to Christmas, but very disappointed that a permanent solution for the residents of Chandler’s Ford has not already been found."