PLANS to close the Post Office in Petersfield Square and reopen it in a smaller empty shop in Chapel Street have been abandoned.

Posters in the existing Post Office say the branch in The Square will remain open and the proposed new operators of the planned new Post office in Chapel Street won’t be going ahead with the idea.

The announcement comes after a consultation on the proposal saw opposition across the board from residents and local politicians.

In a statement the Post Office said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to let us have their comments and provide information during the public consultation.

“We will update customers by displaying posters at the branch.”

As an introduction to the consultation the Post Office said: “The (proposal) to move is because the lease at the current premises in The Square is due to expire on November 20, 2022.

“We have identified an alternative location to continue to offer Post Office services to the local community.

“The vacancy was advertised, and we are pleased to advise a new Postmaster has been appointed to run Petersfield Post Office.

“We are proposing to move the above Post Office branch to 15 Chapel Street, and subject to consultation it will operate as one of our main style branches.

“The proposed new premises which is currently empty, will undergo a refurbishment to incorporate a convenience store and Petersfield Post Office.”

The Post has contacted the Post Office for confirmation regarding the outcome of the consultation and to confirm Petersfield Post Office in The Square is to remain open.