Post Office Ltd has confirmed a closing date for the Alton Post Office in Westbrook Walk.

It is being forced to shut because it is contained within the Alton TG Jones store, which is closing on January 9.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the challenging trading conditions that TG Jones and many other high street retailers are facing at the moment.

“TG Jones had its restructuring plan approved by the High Court on July 1. Consequently, TG Jones is to close its Alton store. Regrettably, Alton Post Office is to close on Monday, January 4.

“The vacancy has already been advertised and we have heard from interested retailers. We are currently in the early stages of reviewing applications to run the Post Office branch and we will provide a further update on our plans as soon as possible.

“We want to open a replacement branch as soon as possible, but this can take around six months. In the interim alternative branches will be Raven Square and Holybourne.”

Liberal Democrat group leader and Alton Westbrooke East Hampshire district councillor Emily Young said: “I know that the Post Office completed its first round of commercial bidding a couple of weeks ago - receiving bids to host it - and is now reviewing the offers.

“I'm keeping in touch and following progress, however I appreciate that naming particular venues could affect the fairness of the bidding process, so I'm not pushing for names at this stage. The Post Office remains committed to staying in Alton, which is encouraging.”

Reform UK East Hampshire chairman Cllr Matthew Kellermann said he had heard no more than that Post Office Ltd was “exploring options” for an alternative location.

He added: “Although I appreciate that businesses have to make a profit, the idea that Alton town centre might be left without a Post Office is appalling.”