Together with a major investment by the Post Office owners, the special Rural Investment Grant will provide an extension for a new Post Office counter and the creation of a second open plan Post Office position alongside the retail counter.

There will also be a full refurbishment of the Post Office and convenience store, providing for a significant increase in retail space, store room, goods in area, improved staff facilities, a new office space and Post Office signage.

Local builders Anchor Developments begin work on the project at the end of September, with a planned completion date of March 2006.

During this time, the branch will continue to offer full Post Office services from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 8am to 1pm. Extended opening hours will mean that selected Post Office services will be available on the new open plan position from 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 1pm on Sunday.

Vicky Kelly, Whitchurch sub postmistress commented: "We are all very excited by this development. We are determined to secure the future of the village store by continuing to provide a first class service to the local community. We are confident that the creation of a modern, bright and vibrant convenience store and Post Office Branch will help us to secure our objectives."