Two post offices reopen

Two post offices which were temporarily shut after the collapse of retail chain Nearby Stores have now reopened.

Community leaders are celebrating the reopening of facilities at Winsley and Twerton High Street.

The post offices, which reopened on Friday, are both inside stores operated by the Nearby chain, which went into administration last month.

Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate for the Chippenham constituency, Duncan Hames, had collected a 400-signature petition calling on Post Office Ltd to reopen the Winsley facility as soon as possible.

Both the post offices had closed but the stores have now been bought by rival firm Southern Cooperatives.

Mr Hames said the reopening was "truly excellent news".

"The post office provides essential services for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Losing the post office can tear out the hub of the local community. Many people will be relieved that this won't now happen in Winsley.

"I want to thank the hundreds of local people who took the time to sign our petition. The sheer weight of local support undoubtedly helped to demonstrate that there is a future for the post office in Winsley. It just goes to show that when a community pulls together for a common goal we really can make a difference."

The stores traded as Nisa and all staff are being kept on by the new owner.

Southern Co-operatives is a separate business from the Co-operative Group, which already runs seven stores in Bath.

Twerton councillor Tim Ball (Lib Dem) said he was pleased that his area's post office had reopened.

Cllr Ball said: "I am absolutely delighted that the post office is back."