RESIDENTS from a village near Winchester have been full of praise for a recently closed post office for their services throughout the past year.

The Post Office inside the convenience store in Waltham Chase has been closed at various points over the last year, with it last being open in August.

Residents of the village have told the Chronicle and have said on social media how important the post office was for the local community throughout lockdown.

Waltham Chase resident, Denis Findley said: “When we went into lockdown one Adrian and his small team were a true lifeline to the Waltham Chase community and were applauded for their efforts.

“The post office has been a fixture of community life in Waltham Chase for many years. Adrian also provided counter service employment and general help employment for local young people who could not get to college or go to their work place.”

Even though the Post Office is currently closed, the village convenience store itself remains open.

On Waltham Chase’s village Facebook residents have been full of support for the Post Office.

Before the most recent closure, one resident said: “The least we can do for them now is to shop in there and support them. Remember it really is a case of use it or lose it.”

The same resident explained how the Post Office staff organised food deliveries during the pandemic for those were self isolating.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Waltham Chase Post Office is temporarily closed due to operational reasons. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“We are working to restore service as soon as possible. In the interim alternative branches include Swanmore, Bishop’s Waltham and Wickham.

“Our area management team are aware of the situation at this branch, and are working hard to identify a solution for the short-term and long-term future of Post Office services in this area.”