A LOCAL village store is set to close its doors next month when the owners shut up shop for the last time.

Ibsley Post Office and shop will close in February, meaning customers in the village will have to travel further afield for their local post office service and store.

The closure of the outlet is not one that is being enforced by the Post Office as part of their long list of closures, but is the decision of the shop owners.

According to a notice posted on the shop door, the closure of the small stamp-selling outlet on February 6 is due to "unrealistic pressures from the Post Office".

It adds that due to its closure, the village store will no longer be commercially viable and will close shortly after on February 29.

The notice also thanks customers for their support over the years, especially with all money they have raised through fundraising for epileptic causes.

One local resident said the closure of the village shop, which is located off the Gorley Road between Ringwood and Fordingbridge, will be "a great loss to many villagers in Ibsley".

Ibsley Parish Council chairman Brenda Turk said: "The news about the Post Office came as quite a shock to all of us and it will be greatly missed. It is very sad news.

"The first we had heard about it was when we got a letter from the Post Office at our meeting before Christmas saying the owners were retiring," she added.

"We have not heard anything about anyone taking over the store but let's hope someone does as it's a great community resource."

And Ibsley village resident Elaine Micklewright said: "It's such a shame that the owners have chosen to make this decision because it was one of the few Post Offices not listed for closure. It's been a post office ever since I can remember.

"But to be honest I am not surprised. It has been a long time coming with most people going elsewhere anyway to places such as Poulner.

"It is sad for the village because it is the loss of yet another local amenity, especially with the shop closing too, that is a strong part of the community." she added.

A spokesperson for the Post Office said: "In the case of Ibsley Post Office, the closure of the service is due to the resignation of the sub-post mistress rather than a listed closure.

"We are looking to restore the service to that area and anyone interested in replacing this Post Office should contact us on 0845 601 6260."