A BASINGSTOKE Post Office has closed unexpectedly following the resignation of the postmaster.

Customers of Kingsmill Post Office, in Anstey Close, Cranbourne, were informed that it would close on Thursday, June 18 after the postmaster resigned and the premises was “withdrawn for Post Office use”.

A letter published online and addressed to ‘customers’, titled Branch Unplanned Closure Kingsmill Post Office, was written by Graham Brander, network provision lead at the Post Office.

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Kingsmill Post Office (Image: Newsquest) He said: “The provision of a Post Office service to our customers in the local community is important to us, and we will continue to work hard to restore services in the area as soon as possible.

“We would welcome any applications from potential retail partners interested in running a branch locally on our behalf. The vacancy is currently being advertised.”

He added: “I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.”

Mr Brander said the Post Office will display posters in the branch to inform customers and he also asked ‘local representatives’ to share the information through their social media channels and with local groups or organisations in the community, such as charities and GP surgeries.

He added: “We apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause.”

A spokesperson for the Post Office said: “Kingsmill Post Office temporarily closed on 2 July due to the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use.

“We are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community. The vacancy has been advertised, but this has not yet resulted in a suitable application to run the branch and we would welcome interest from a local retailer.

“Alternative branches include Buckland Avenue and Brighton Hill.”