ONE of Teignmouth's most populated areas could soon have its own post office and shop again.

West Teignmouth has been without a post office since the Lower Coombe Stores replaced its sub-post office with an off-licence earlier in the year.

It created a lot of complaints and inconvenience for hundreds of residents, who had to travel into town to the main office.

But now an empty general shop at Kingsway is likely to be re-opened after a revamp, and could include a Post Office counter.

The shop has also been much missed, and the search is on for a new tenant.

The Post Office initiative is the result of a partnership between Teign Housing, which owns the property, the local community, west ward councillor David Cox, and the Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross.

'This area has a high density of housing and a lot of people have been put to extra travelling and trouble since the loss of the Coombe office,' said Cllr Cox.

'So many Post offices have closed in Devon, but this case was different because it was a voluntary closure by the owner of the store.

'We were determined to try and retain the facility in west Teignmouth because we are sure it is viable. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes involving various authorities, and Teign Housing chief executive Mike Hanrahan has been very enthusiastic and supportive. The Post Office seem very keen.'

'Hopefully it will soon be finalised, and will save a lot of people, especially the elderly and young families, a long trek into the town, or the other Post Offices in Shaldon and Ashleigh Way. The re-opening of a shop at Kingsway would also be great news for local people.'

Mr Younger-Ross described it as 'fantastic news' because a Post Office was so badly needed in the area.

'I had a flood of complaints when the old office closed, particularly from people without transport. I approached the Post Office and they were agreeable in principle to the scheme, and I am sure the new shop will be well supported.'

Mr Hanrahan said 87 Kingsway was a commercial property at the heart of the West Teignmouth community.

'We are keen to lease it to an individual or organisation who can provide local people with the services they need and want.

'Bringing the shop back into use is part of our ongoing plans top improve local services for our customers and the wider community.'

He stressed the discussions and negotiations were still in their early stages.

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