A MEON Valley village is set to have a new post office in a pub - after residents were left without one for four months.

The Bakers Arms in Droxford High Street is the unusual setting for the new sub post office.

Landlord Martin Juden is jubilant his dream to convert his hostelry into a post office for the village looks set to become reality after numerous setbacks.

And in a move that would make Prince Charles proud, Mr Juden served up cream teas for the first time at the weekend in a new tea room in the pub's conservatory.

"Prince Charles should adopt me. I agree wholeheartedly with him that village pubs have to diversify and keep all their avenues open if they are to survive.

"Droxford has lost seven shops in the last ten years. I want to increase the facilities in the village for everyone," he said.

"Lots of people coming into the pub have been asking about what is going to happen and when the post office will open. It will hopefully be in about a month's time."

Now Mr Juden, 52, is installing a new alarm system for the post office which will have a separate entrance on to the High Street.

A spokesman for Consignia said: "We are very optimistic that a post office will be returning to Droxford in the not too distant future."

The news has come as a relief to Mr Juden.

His last application to convert part of his pub into a sub post-office, shop and three houses was thrown out by Winchester planners because it was a listed building.

Mr Juden condemned the city council for its lack of community spirit. As his latest plan does not involve any material change to the building, planning permission is not required.

Janet Searle of Droxford Parish Council said the new post office would be a great asset for the village.

"The post office isn't just important for buying stamps and collecting pensions but it's also a focal point for the community."

The other post offices nearest to Droxford are located in Corhampton, Swanmore, Wickham and Bishop's Waltham.