In March, East Hagbourne residents were notified of the closure of their local Post Office counter.

A petition organised by the shop called on the Post Office to reverse its decision.

Police and crime commissioner, Matthew Barber, and Liberal Democrat MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, also campaigned for the counter to remain open.

In a letter to Mr Barber, Blair McDougall, minister for small business and economic transformation, announced the reversal of the decision.

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Campaigners with Olly Glover (Image: Olly Glover)

The MP for East Renefrewshire said:”I am pleased to confirm that Post Office Limited has now decided to advertise the opportunity to operate the East Hagbourne branch.

“I recognise how important a local Post Office can be for a community, especially for elderly and vulnerable customers.

“I am also aware of the strength of feeling locally, not least given the Post Office’s relationship with the community‑run shop and the role both play in village life.”

The community shop, run entirely by volunteers, has hosted the well-used Post Office counter for more than 20 years.

MP Olly Glover in the community shop (Image: Olly Glover)

The Post Office placed a notice on March 4 stating that, following the resignation of the postmaster, they “are not looking to replace East Hagbourne Post Office at this time”.

However, according to the Post Office’s website, it was advertising for a successful retailer in the East Hagbourne area to tender to incorporate a Post Office Local into their existing or proposed business, with a closing date of April 13.

Mr Glover had also received dozens of emails from concerned customers, volunteers, and community organisations describing how vital the Post Office and shop are to village life.

The three-bedroom house is situated on Main Road in East Hagbourne, a village just outside Didcot.

According to Zoopla, the house is set in a ‘highly sought-after village’ and has ‘large curb appeal’.

The house is surrounded by a gravel frontage, mature plants, and colourful blooms.

It retains a wealth of character and original features, including exposed timber beams and an Inglenook fireplace.

The 997 sq ft house has a utility room, a downstairs toilet, and a spacious dual-aspect open-plan kitchen/dining room.

On the first floor, there is a 13ft main bedroom, a second double room, a single third bedroom, and a modern family bathroom.

There is also a ‘mature’ private rear garden with a timber-built shed.

The house is in a non-estate location surrounded by countryside.

East Hagbourne is a village on the outskirts of Didcot, with a village pub, a primary school, and a parish church.

There are also a number of community groups that host events throughout the year.

The village also has ‘superb transport links’ with Didcot Parkway Station.

The Zoopla listing reads: “A well presented 17th-century detached house, this charming 3-bedroom cottage is nestled in a highly sought-after village within close proximity to exceptional primary and secondary schools.

“The property exudes character and warmth, retaining original features like exposed timber beams and a striking Inglenook fireplace.”

Witney, a historic market town on the River Windrush about 15 miles west of Oxford, grew rich on the medieval wool trade.

It later became famous for its blanket‑making industry, which continued into the 21st century.

The town has now earned a place in The Sun’s list of 11 top day‑trip destinations, with the newspaper highlighting its “beautiful buildings” and calmer feel compared to some of the Cotswolds’ busiest tourist honeypots in peak season.

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In the feature, travel writer Kara Godfrey picked out family‑friendly things to do in and around the town.

She said: “Kids will love Cogges Manor Farm, where they can feed some of the animals, or you can practise your mug painting at The Pottery Place in town.”

For longer stays, she suggested the historic Blue Boar Inn in the centre for a “cosy” night away, or luxury country‑house hotel Estelle Manor near Eynsham for those willing to spend more.

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Food and drink spots were also name‑checked.

Ms Godfrey wrote: “There is the amazing Huffkins and Hunters Cake Company for a cuppa and a slice of cake, or hop in the queue at Sandwich de Witney for hugely overfilled baguettes.”

Witney was listed alongside destinations such as Sheringham in Norfolk, Chester in Cheshire and Weston‑super‑Mare in North Somerset, as part of The Sun’s round‑up of quieter alternatives for UK days out.