NORTON residents breathed a sigh of relief after it was been announced their post office will remain open.

Customers were told the One Stop shop, which houses the service, had been sold and would close on December 12.

The news left customers "devastated" and many elderly residents worried they would face a two mile round trip to Wollaston post office to collect their pensions.

But they have since been reassured by a One Stop spokesman that the post office and shop in The Broadway, is "open and trading as normal".

Councillor Heather Rogers, who represents Norton, said she had been told by One Stop that the sale had fallen through and was reassured that the shop would not be closing "this side of Christmas".

She said there were no guarantees that it would not be sold next year but was "pleased" it would remain open in the meantime.

Cllr Rogers added: "I hope the post office will remain open as an integral part of the shop if it is sold in the near future as it is a lifeline for a lot of elderly people and young mums."

Regular customer Ann Tee said she had been devastated when she thought the "community asset" would be lost.

She said: "I live with a disability and use that post office as a bank and I have family that live abroad so I use it to post letters to them."

"It is wonderful news that it will remain open for now and I think the community will breath a big sigh of relief."

A Post Office spokesperson said customers would be made aware of any developments, adding: "If there are any proposed changes to any branch in our network, we will engage with customers to keep them informed of plans and would inform all local representatives and media.”