No festive cheer as River Post Office will stay shut

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http://www.dover-express.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276432/Article/images/23381777/7246209-large.jpg"HEARTLESS" Post Office bosses have been blasted after admitting River's branch will not reopen until after Christmas.

The Chilton Way store was shut in July for refurbishment, which was set to be completed by September.

But it will now stay closed until at least January next year – meaning residents hoping to post Christmas gifts or cards will have to travel to Temple Ewell or Dover town centre.

Dover District Council chairman Sue Nicholas told the Express the delay was "absolutely appalling".

The 76-year-old, of Sanctuary Close, said: "I think it's heartless because the majority of people that use the post office are the elderly. They now have to make other arrangements.

"The post office is vital. If it goes from the village you are losing its heart."

River Parish Council chairman Clive Taylor urged villagers to write to the Post Office demanding the store is reopened sooner.

He said: "Elderly residents without cars shouldn't have to get taxis or buses to pick up their allowances or pay bills.

"The sooner the post office is back in River the better.

"I hope the Post Office will recognise that and make sure all efforts are made to reopen as soon as possible – and certainly before Christmas."

A Post Office spokesman apologised for any inconvenience caused and said: "We are working hard to restore the service as quickly as possible.

"We do have a potential new operator with suitable premises and we are currently progressing their application.

"There would then be public consultation in line with the code of practice that we have to follow."

The spokesman added: "The earliest that we could potentially open the branch is January 2015."

The River store had been run for three decades by James Brannigan, 78, who retired earlier this year.

The postmaster at Temple Ewell Post Office is looking to sell the London Road branch, the Express can reveal.

A Post Office spokesman said: "There is an interested new operator who is currently going through the application process.

"Post Office Limited is committed to maintaining a Post Office in Temple Ewell."