A CHRISTCHURCH post office which only opened earlier this year has closed temporarily due to a ‘technical glitch and system issue’.

Disgruntled customers, who have been unable to cash pensions or access services since Saxon Square branch closed on Tuesday, are instead being advised to visit branches at Stourvale and Purewell Cross.

Yesterday, the post office told the Daily Echo: “We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Christchurch Post Office.

“We would like to reassure customers that the decision to suspend services at any of our branches is never taken lightly, and we will only do so when it is warranted.

“We are committed to providing a post office in the area and we are looking to see how we can restore post office services to the area as soon as possible.”

However, when pushed to confirm the reasons behind the closure, the post office declined to provide any more information.

Meanwhile, the branch’s postmaster, Hiren Modi, has been unavailable for comment. But a note posted to the inside of the door blames a ‘technical glitch and system issue’ for the closure.

The Saxon Square Post Office only opened earlier this year, bringing an end to a 21-month period without a Post Office in the town centre.

Back in January, the post office opened behind schedule because of issues relating to the phone line and IT software.

Yesterday, one customer said: “We think there has been some sort of computer issue again. Everything is computerised now so when one system goes down, the whole thing goes down.

“It is a shame, as we all hope the post office does well here at Saxon Square.

“There are far too many coffee shops around here and not enough of other businesses. This is definitely one we want to keep here.”

After the post office first opened in January, Mr Modi told the Echo: “I’ve wanted to open before Christmas but projects like this always have hiccups and it has been delayed originally to the start of January and now the end of the month.

“We are working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”