VICTORIA Park Post Office will not be relocating to the proposed site in Poundbury following hundreds of letters of objection.

During the public consultation Post Office Ltd received more than 300 individual responses from customers and local representatives and a petition with 570 signatures and feedback from the independent watchdog Citizen Advice, mainly opposing the move.

The Post Office had proposed to move the branch on Maud Road to Poundbury Village Stores, Middlemarsh Street, with significantly extended opening hours.

Suzanne Richardson, regional network manager, said: “After careful consideration of all relevant factors, including the responses we received as part of the consultation process and the concerns raised by Citizens Advice Bureau, Post Office Ltd has decided not to proceed with this proposed move.”

Post Office Ltd said the main comments focused on the distance to the proposed location, considered too far to walk from the current site as there is not a direct bus service, causing difficulties for customers, particularly the elderly and less mobile customers to access Post Office services.

Sahil Dalvi, owner of the Buttermarket Stores and Post Office in Poundbury had opposed the move as he felt a second Post Office in such close proximity would threaten his business.

Mr Dalvi said: "We thought the relocation might not happen because we did have a lot of support opposing it.

"We are relieved that our business is safe. It was a massive worry to us. Now we can look forward to Christmas and future plans instead of worrying about our competitors.

"I want to say a big thank you to all our supporters."

Hugh Quinn from Victoria Park Post Office said: "I think things would have been different if there wasn't a Post Office in Buttermarket, I think that is the main reason for the decision. 

"We wanted the relocation to go through because we thought it would give the Post Office a better future. We only have a small office which makes things difficult. But we will continue on, we understand people's views and opinions and we are not going to close. 

"We did think we would be moving so we have let stock run down so we will make sure we restock and continue here in Maud Road. 

"I don't think there is enough business for three Post Offices in Dorchester but we will have to wait and see."

Cllr Gerald Duke lead the campaign to keep the Post Office in Maud Road, but was unavailable for comment.

Post Office Ltd said any further relocation proposal would be subject to a new six-week public consultation.