News that the Post Office has agreed to the opening of a community post office at Haslewey gets support from Haslemere & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Subject to completion of security and other improvements at Haslewey – estimated to cost £15,000 – the new facility should be in operation in November.

Haslewey has mounted a fund-raising campaign to meet the cost of the necessary works, and individuals, businesses and other local organisations have been asked to contribute.

The community post office will restore postal services to the Lion Green area, following closure of the counter in the M&S premises, formerly occupied by the Co-op. It also allays some of the fears over postal services in Haslemere while the future of the Post Office branch in West Street remains unclear.

Chamber President David Goddin says the Haslewey facility will be a major asset to residents and the business community.

He says: “The Haslewey team has worked long and hard to win approval from the Post Office. What is needed now is real community support to finish the job.

“The Chamber urges people to consider donating what they can towards this project. Not only does it ensure the future of postal services, it also adds a further dimension to the growing range of services offered at Haslewey.”

Donations can be made online at https://haslewey.charitycheckout.co.uk/  For more details about the community centre, go to https://www.haslewey.org/