MAKING good on his pre-election promise to save Haslemere Post Office, Jeremy Hunt met with the mail firm’s chief executive officer Paula Vennells to press for the town to be given more time to ensure the service continues.

Last month, former mayor Brian Howard appealed for backers to join him in a bid to buy the West Street building, where the Post Office lease expires at the end of June, in order to save the service.

The town had two post offices a year ago – in West Street and Wey Hill – but unless urgent action can be taken it will have none from next month.

The Post Office has failed to find a permanent postmaster to continue the West Street service, and negotiations with the Post Office to reopen the Lion Green branch in Haslewey Community Centre are still ongoing. Mr Hunt said he was hopeful the West Street lease would be extended.

He said: “Haslemere will have a post office whatever. If we can work up a community solution involving taking ownership of the building so much the better, and we will actively explore that over the next few weeks.

“I was encouraged by my meeting with Paula Vennells and I am assured she is doing all she can to work with the town to maintain a service.

“We now need to make sure she is as good as her word.”

Ms Vennells said: “The existing lease on the post office is due to expire at the end of June. We are currently in discussion with the landlord to extend the lease for a further six months to allow us extra time to find a permanent new location for Haslemere post office.

“The branch is currently run by a temporary postmaster and we are looking for a long-term solution.”

Urging residents to support a community consortium to buy the West Street building, Mr Howard said: “I believe any long-term solution is dependent on having control of the building.

“We have wonderful examples of how a community trust can work very effectively. Haslemere Hall and the museum are the most obvious of these.

“We benefit today from those crown jewels because of the imagination and endeavour of our forebears.

“It is now time for us to rally together and do something that will not only benefit the present but will enhance the town’s future.”

The Post Office vacancy is advertised at www.runapostoffice.co.uk

• Email: brianhoward@haslemere. com to pledge support for the plan