By Hayley Robinson

The post office service in Milton Regis could be reinstated within the next six months.

A spokesman for the Post Office confirmed this week that negotiations have begun with an interested party, but refused to reveal any further details.

The business was housed in a Grade II listed building in the High Street until July 12 this year, when the sub-postmaster and his wife retired. It has been on the market for two years but a buyer is yet to come forward.

At the time the Post Office said it was fully committed to maintaining a service in Milton Regis.

A spokesman said: "We cannot tell you who that interested party is at the moment as we're still in the very early stages of negotiations and no contract has been signed yet, but it's looking hopeful that it will re-open soon.

"To start a new post office from appointment takes three to six months.

"It will be in Milton Regis as that was always the Post Office's intentions, but I can't confirm where the premises will be."

The postbox at the High Street premises was also closed when the service ended, but the spokesman said there are also plans to install a new postbox soon, once a location can be found.