A FREE bus service is being set up from Carterton to Bampton so residents can access the post office.

Carterton Post Office is closing down temporarily as the Co-operative where it is based has been sold to Asda.

The new supermarket needs to move in and start building work as soon as possible, but residents of Carterton are concerned about how they will access their local postal services.

To solve the issue, Post Office Ltd is providing a free bus service to Bampton Post Office on Mondays and Thursdays during the temporary closure of Carterton Post Office - which is due to last until Christmas.

The service will begin on Monday, October 19.

The bus will leave from the car park next to the Town Hall in Alvescot Road and the pick-up times are 9.30am, 10.45am, noon and 1.15pm. The return journeys are at 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm and 2pm.

The Co-op supermarket in Black Bourton Road will close today at 7pm for the major refit. Carterton Post Office will remain open for a few extra days until Saturday at 3pm.

Post Office regional network manager Julia Marwood said: “Post Office Ltd are committed to maintaining a Post Office service in Carterton.

“We are working with Asda with a view to retaining the Post Office service in its current location. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the branch. We have organised a free temporary bus service Bampton Post Office to assist our customers.”