POST Office services could return to Christchurch town centre if discussions with interested retailers are successful.

Four interested parties came forward following a public meeting in April and discussions are now under way.

A Post Office spokesperson, said: "As a result of our public meeting to try to restore Post Office services in central Christchurch, there are four interested parties. We are currently in discussion with those retailers about taking on a Post Office and what it would entail and due to commercial confidentiality, we will not say who we are in talks with. These discussions are at a very early stage. Any re-opening would be subject to public consultation."

The town centre post office in Church Street closed last year when the director decided to liquidate the company as it was no longer deemed financially viable.

The closure was unplanned and led the Post Office to embark on discussions in a bid to find a solution.

At the time, Public Affairs manager Stuart Taylor stressed they were doing all they could to find a site.

He said: "We recognise how much local customers and the town’s traders value their Post Office service and we are keen to generate maximum awareness amongst the business community of the benefits of incorporating a Post Office into an existing or new retail business.

"We are committed to see Post Office services restored to Christchurch as soon as we can find a suitable operator and premises for the service."

Cllr Peter Hall welcomed news of the talks and said: "This is excellent news. Every day I am asked when the post office is coming back to the town centre.

"People have to go to Purewell or to Barrack Road to use a post office and it has also affected businesses in the area with a drop in footfall."

Since the closure of the Church Street branch, a Fred. Olsen Travel Agent shop has opened in its place.

The opening brings the total number of branches on the south coast to five. Christchurch branch manager Alison MacCarty comes from the town.