WIMBORNE’S Post Office returned to the heart of the town today after nearly 14 months’ absence.

After fire tore through the High Street last July, destroying shops, it took more than three months and a 2,654-signature petition to get a temporary branch up and running in the King Street car park.

Now the redeveloped Martins convenience store, with Post Office desk inside, is open for business.

The president of Wimborne Minster and District’s Chamber of Trade, Malcolm Angel, said: “This is marvellous news.

“We welcome the store back with open arms and it’s great to see the street looking bright, shiny and new.

“The centre of Wimborne is truly open for business, and we look forward to seeing the streets teeming with people once more.”

The car park behind Scrivens Opticians is also open again. Wimborne town councillor Anthony Oliver said: “It’s absolutely super to have the Post Office back in town after such a long wait.

“Customers were sent in every direction after the fire, Now the big thing is getting them to come back now we’re fully operational.”

Cllr Oliver said he couldn’t wait to see the High Street’s post box in use again too.

Mel Fry from Post Office Limited thanked customers parents for their patience, and urged people to support the new store, where improvements include a wheelchair ramp.

The same staff will run the refurbished shop. Saville Travel and Thomas Cook are due to open in mid September.