The TG Jones store in Alton - and with it the town centre branch of the Post Office - are set to close early next year.

This will leave people in need of a post office having to travel to the edges of Alton - either the Raven Square Post Office on the Wooteys estate, or Holybourne Post Office in London Road, Holybourne.

Speaking about the forthcoming closure of Alton Post Office in Westbrook Walk, East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds said: “I have heard from Post Office Ltd the sad confirmation that TG Jones, the former WH Smith, in Alton is to close, likely early in 2027, and that staff at the store have been made aware.

“This will naturally be a very concerning time for them and I hope they will be able to find alternative employment quickly.

“It is of course very important for Post Office facilities to be available in Alton town centre. I understand there have been some expressions of interest for alternative provision, and I remain in contact with Post Office Ltd about this.”

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 due to close in early 2027. The date is being finalised.

“The vacancy has already been advertised, and we have heard from interested retailers. We are now looking more closely at the expressions of interest.

“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.”

Cllr Emily Young, the Liberal Democrat group leader who represents Alton Westbrooke on East Hampshire District Council, said: “I’m really concerned to hear that TG Jones in Westbrook Walk is closing, particularly because of what that means for Alton’s Post Office.

“The Post Office is a critically important service for local residents and businesses, and we shouldn’t just accept losing it from the town centre.

“I'll be pushing for urgent talks with the Post Office, councils and other relevant partners to see if the Post Office can be housed elsewhere in the town. The priority has to be keeping a Post Office in Alton.”

Reform UK East Hampshire chairman Cllr Matthew Kellermann said: "The loss of the town centre Post Office would have serious consequences for many Altonians, especially those with mobility problems and no access to transport.

“While there are excellent Post Office counters at Raven Square and Holybourne, they cannot be expected to fill the void left by closure of the Westbrook Walk location.

“Alton is, unfortunately, a rapidly expanding town and a central Post Office is essential to serve the needs of the population - existing and future.

“I urge Royal Mail to open a replacement office in the town centre or, alternatively, grant a licence to a suitable shop.”