Post Office set to reopen in summer after ram-raid

A Post Office that was severely damaged when thieves smashed into the shop and stole a cash machine is due to reopen in the summer.

The branch in Markfield, Leicestershire, has been closed since it sustained "significant structural damage" when a telehandler was used to ram into the premises in November.

The Post Office has now announced it hopes to reopen the centre in Chitterman Way, which also included a Londis shop, in August.

A spokesperson said: "The postmaster and Post Office are keen to restore service as soon as possible, and we hope that repair work can soon begin as we know how important a Post Office is to a community."

The spokesperson said that, following a criminal incident, there were several stages for the landlord and insurance company to go through before reopening.

They added: "We hope that the branch will be able to open in August.

"In the interim, alternative branches include Main Street in Thornton, Ratby and Groby.

"We acknowledge that it is over three miles to the nearest branch, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by the unplanned temporary closure."

Claire Harris, who represents Markfield, Stanton and Field Head on Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: "The shop owners want it open as much as residents.

"People in the community have been helping each other, the landlord of the Coach and Horses has been taking parcels for people but we really want it open."

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