A VILLAGE POST office which was on the brink of closure is now enjoying a new lease of life, after it was saved at the 11th hour.

Durley Post Office had traded out of the village's former general stores for seven years when the owners decided to sell up.

The search was then on to find new premises or face losing the counter service altogether.

But a last-minute bid by the parish council found the post office a new home at the village hall.

Villager Jo Goodey, of Durley Street, said the post office was a vital part of the village.

She said: "The post office is a central part of the community.

"It would be awful if it had to close as so many people, particularly the elderly rely on it.

"Not everyone can make it into the towns to use the services like pensions and banking particularly if they are relying on public transport so having a post office in the village is essential."

When parish councillors heard of the imminent closure they put in a special request to have the service trade out of the village hall so residents wouldn't lose out.

The move to the hall means staff now enjoy a purpose-built kiosk and the central location has even given business a boost.

Sub-post mistress Patricia Parker said: "It is great to be here and it was terrific the way the parish council stepped in. As a result business is going very well indeed."

Consignia, the new name for Royal Mail, which runs Post Office Counters Ltd, has congratulated the local councillors on their help in saving the service.

Consignia spokesman Richard Smith said: "This is extremely good news for the community and I take my hat off toothem.

"It just goes to show what can be done when a community pulls together. It's a great success story.

"I know the villagers are really pleased that the post office is remaining, particularly with all we are hearing about rural branches having to close."