POST office services could be returning to Kempsey, near Worcester – and a councillor has labelled it “great news” for the village.

Nationwide retailer McColl’s has taken over the village’s Spar and is exploring the possibility of setting up over-the-counter post office provision in the new shop.

However this addition is not yet confirmed and will depend on discussions between the convenience store chain and the Post Office.

Councillor David Harrison, of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “A new post office service would be very welcome in the village and great news for local people.”

McColl’s have acquired the store following the “semi-retirement” of Lynn and Bob Purewal who, with support from their son Kash Purewal, have run the village shop for almost 10 years.

Mrs Purewal, whose business was previously called The Original Stores, said: “We have had a brilliant time and have loved working in the village.

“The whole community welcomed us and supported our shop so well over the years.

“It has been like being part of a big family and we would like thank everyone, especially the local councillors, who have helped us.

“But we needed a little break after so many years in business and have decided to semi-retire.”

Cllr Harrison, a member of the Independent Democratic Group, added that the Purewal family were “well liked” in the area and have done a “fantastic job”.

The newly branded store, which opened on Monday (September 29) at 6pm, has created six new full and part-time jobs.

A spokesman for McColl’s said the company was “very keen” to offer post office services in the new store but clarified a final decision would be based on a “number of factors”.

He added that new post office provision would be provided over-the-counter by regular checkout staff, meaning customers could post their letters or pay bills throughout the shop’s full opening hours.