By Hayley Robinson

An appeal has been made to save a popular post office from closure.

The future of the shop in High Street, Milton Regis, is under threat as the sub post master is due to retire in July and no one has been found to replace him.

The business housed in a Grade II listed building with living accommodation above, has been on the market for two years but a buyer is yet to come forward.

Milton Regis ward councillor Adam Tolhurst is appealing to businesses and other people to come forward and take the business on.

He said: "The Post Office has made it clear they want to keep it open.

"It has a good footfall and there is a large elderly population who rely on it, but anyone interested in taking it on would have to buy the whole property.

"Alternatively there is an existing trader in the High Street who might like to set the service up inside their business.

"Come July if no one has been found it will have to close for a period of time while the alternative accommodation is sought for the post office and a new sub post master.

"For most people north of the town it could be a long way to walk to the nearest alternative."

Mr Stephens and his wife Yvonne, both 56, have run the business for nine years but want to move to the Midlands to be closer to their elderly parents and their three children.

Mr Stephens said: "The sad factor is we’ve built up the business greatly since we took it over, it’s a thriving business and it’s a shame nobody wants it.

"It’s not practical to sell just the business as we live above it.

"I’d love to sell it as a going concern and satisfy everyone."

A Post Office spokesman said: "We are fully committed to maintaining a service in Milton Regis and will be doing all we can to ensure there isn’t a break in the service, while we try to find a new sub Post Master/Mistress."