THE man behind plans for the new Mitcheldean post office has responded to criticisms of the move.

Harry Khaira, owner of the Old Smithy Stores, said the village would have lost the post office had he not stepped in.

Concerns have been expressed in the village about the move from the current post office in High Street to the Old Smithy in New Road.

Mr Khaira said: "The village post office is closing because the postmaster is retiring and as the post office is in his house it has to move.

"I don't think a lot of people realise that.

"About a year ago the Post Office made an approach to businesses to take on the post office but I think we were the only ones to express an interest.

"It's taken until now to really get it sorted and we are planning to open the post office later in the summer.

"If we hadn't wanted to take it on then there would be no post office in the village. I think it is essential that Mitcheldean has a post office.

"We are open seven days a week and later at night so the post office will be open longer.

"We are also offering jobs to people who work in the post office so there will be familiar faces.

"I know that some people are concerned about it but it was a case of either have the post office in the Old Smithy or lose it completely."