I AM pleased to hear that post office services are shortly to be resumed in Shipton Bellinger.

We have taken a keen interest in their progress and offered guidance and support when needed.

The county council places a high value on support for our rural communities, particularly in maintaining and enhancing access to services wherever possible.

One example of this is through our Village Shops Grants programme, which has, since 2008, assisted 30 village shops with capital grants, enabling them to offer new and improved products and services to their local communities.

I would like to wish Shipton Bellinger outreach post office service every success, and hope it will be well used by local residents.

Councillor Roy Perry, leader, Hampshire County Council.