A HAMPSHIRE village post office and shop has closed because of sudden subsidence.

The post office, on the High Street, Southwick, near Wickham, has closed for an indefinite period.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Due to subsidence Southwick Post Office and store has had to temporarily close with immediate effect at the request of the landlord.

“The extent of the subsidence is to be fully assessed, therefore, we do not yet know how long it will take to rectify the problem.”

She added: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the unplanned closure, which is beyond our control.”

There are nearby branches in Portsmouth: “Alternative branches in the area are at Paulsgrove, Portchester, White Hart Lane and Wicor,” she said.