MORE than 250 people have signed a petition calling on the Post Office to reopen its Easter Compton branch.

The village’s post office closed to customers last Wednesday, June 23.

Local people were given no more than a week’s notice of the closure, which has left villagers without the vital much-used service.

Marian Bennett, an Easter Compton resident who started the petition, said: "A temporary notice went up a week or so before, but we were told something else would replace it.

"It wasn’t until the closure was actually upon us we realised we were being left without a post office.

"We have started this petition and we have more the 250 signatures. Comments from people have included that it is much needed.

"The nearest post office now is Pilning but that is too far for people who don’t drive and there are about 60 pensioners in the village.

"People from Almondsbury and Patchway come and use the post office. It was well used."

According to the Post Office the Easter Compton branch, on Blackhorse Hill, had to close because the building it was in was sold and there were no alternative locations in the village to move to.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: "The office has closed unfortunately. The reason is withdrawal of the premises, which are no longer available, this doesn’t mean that the closure will be permanent. We are hoping it will be a temporary one and we are seeking alternative premises.

"If anyone does have any suggestions for us for new premises we are more than happy to hear from them."

The new Filton and Bradley Stoke MP, Jack Lopresti, has joined the campaign to get the branch reopened.

He said: "I will be contacting the Post Office to see what can be done and to put some pressure on.

"The temporary facility that has been suggested has not been established yet.

"I remember the Patchway Post Office closing and it can have a huge impact on the cohesion of the local community. It is important this service is restored as soon as possible."

Anyone with suggestions for a new location for the post office in Easter Compton should call 0845 6016260.