FEARS that a post office in Winchester may have closed for good have been allayed.

The News Shop, with its post office, on Upper High Street, has been shut this week, sparking concern that it had closed permanently.

A sign on the door said it had closed due to "unforeseen circumstances".

One customer told the Chronicle there was no warning. "It is a real nuisance," he said.

But today a Post Office spokesperson, said: “Upper High Street Winchester Post Office is currently closed this week whilst staff are on holiday. The branch is due to reopen on Monday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure. In the interim alternative branches are Stoney Lane in Weeke and at WH Smith on Winchester High Street.”