THE future of Binfield's post office is now secure thanks to the campaigning work of residents and the parish council. 

Rumours Co-op was not going to keep the in-store Post Office branch open after taking over Duffy's Spar in Oakmede Village Shops caused an outcry among residents who began petitions and campaigned for the post office to remain. 

After months of speculation, the Co-op has confirmed it will retain the Post Office when it opens the new £500,000 store on December 10. 

Cllr Robert McLean, a Binfield resident who represents the Warfield Harvest Ride ward, said: "We are all delighted the post office is staying. There was a campaign by residents to keep it open and the parish council was working incredibly hard to secure the vital service. 

"The post office is a very important part of any community so we are pleased they've come to an agreement.

"I don't know what all the parties were thinking at the outset but I don't think we would be where we are today had the parish council and the residents not campaigned and worked so hard."

The new store will cover 1,500 sq ft of floor space with a focus on selling essential groceries.

Its new opening hours are 7am-9pm daily. 

Alistair Smith, acquisitions manager at the Co-op, said: "We are thrilled to have a fantastic new food store with which to serve the Binfield community – it is an exciting time for the whole store team and we believe the store will really be an asset to the community.

"The Co-operative is a community retailer and we are committed to playing an active role in local life, embracing the area’s community spirit. It was always our intention to retain the Post Office and we are delighted that we have been able to do so."

The store will also have a staff member allocated a 'Community Pioneer' to organise fundraising initiatives and community events. 

A second Co-op is also due to open on the site of the old Daruchini Restaurant, run by the Southern Cooperative, just 400ft away from Oakmede Place.