Stourvale post office branch at the One Stop store on Barrack Road, Christchurch, is to close in March 2024

FINANCIAL struggles have forced a Christchurch post office branch to close early next year.

Stourvale Post Office, based at the One Stop store on Barrack Road, is set to shut for good in March, on a date yet to be confirmed.

The news was announced in a letter from the national Post Office body’s partner account manager, Daniel Rooney.

“Our retail partner One Stop, who operates Stourvale Post Office branch on our behalf, has advised that due to the challenges of the current economic climate, they have made the difficult decision to resign, and regrettably Stourvale Post Office will be closing in March 2024,” he wrote.

However, the One Stop store has agreed to run a drop-and-collect service to help mitigate the loss of some post office services.

This uses a handheld device, allowing customers to access bill payments and prepaid parcel services.

In the meantime, the Post Office will advertise for a suitable, full service replacement branch.

Mr Rooney continued: “We understand that the provision of a full service post office branch is important for the local community and we are committed to seeking to restore a local post office branch to mitigate the impact of the closure of this branch.

“However, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the postmaster operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.

“We would welcome any applications from potential retail partners interested in running a branch locally on our behalf.”

The vacancy will be advertised online at runapostoffice.co.uk

Mr Rooney concluded: “We apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause.”

Alternative branches are Stour Road Post Office, Christchurch Post Office in Saxon Square, and Tuckton Post Office on Tuckton Road in Bournemouth.

The latest available branch information can be found at postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder