PLANS to shut a post office as a potential development takes shape have been branded 'absolutely ridiculous' by residents.

Customers and business owners at Highcliffe, where plans have been submitted to demolish and rebuild a block at Lymington Road, said the decision to temporarily close the post office will cause problems for residents.

The proposal has been made by developer Burry and Knight - the sister company of Hoburne Limited which has submitted similar development plans for a site across the road.

Burry and Knight's scheme will see a block of two commercial units with five two-bed flats and seven one-bed flats above, as well as a terrace of five two-bed houses at the rear with parking.

Following the closure of the post office at Christchurch the nearest full post office for Highcliffe residents come November will be New Milton, or services provided at Sauflands.

Your Eye Site receptionists Wendy Yates, 64, and Christine Skidmore, 63, said the decision was 'ridiculous'.

"There are a lot of people here who do not drive so they're going to have to get taxis," Ms Skidmore said. "There are no banks here so I think it's absolutely ridiculous that there is no post office and there's not even one at Christchurch."

Roy Vieira, 84, retired of Smugglers Lane North, said: "When the banks closed that was the start of it but now you can't go to Christchurch and it's going to be the same here. We use it for car tax, our pensions, everything. I don't like the idea of not having a post office that's for sure."

A spokesman for Hoburne Ltd said: "We regret that there may not be a post office in Highcliffe for a short while but we are committed to playing a part in reviving the High Street and are supportive of the Vision for Highcliffe campaign. We feel a post office is vital to the High Street, especially with the loss of banks over recent years.

"We offered the current postmaster, Mr Coates, the opportunity to relocate to 296 Lymington Road on favourable terms but after us keeping the premises open for a number of months he advised us he did not wish to take up the offer or renew his existing lease.

"Mr Coates did request a short-term lease until the end of January 2017, however we wish to start construction of the current site prior to this - subject to planning permission."

A Post Office spokesperson, said: “We have been in discussion with the postmaster at Highcliffe, who has just resigned. The branch is to close temporarily at the end of November. Work then begins to redevelop the area.

"We are committed to maintaining a Post Office in Highcliffe and the vacancy will very soon be on our website runapostoffice.co.uk.

"We already have one interested party. Any relocation would involve a six week public consultation. We are also working hard to restore Post Office services in Christchurch.”