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Post office reopens a year after fire

Alex PopeBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imagePost Office A group of people, standing outside a shop, holding a large red heart, with a red ribbon in front of them. They are all standing. A woman in a blue dress is holding a large pair of red scissors. Post Office
A ribbon was cut to mark the reopening of the shop

A city centre post office that was damaged in a suspected arson attack has reopened a year after it was forced to shut.

The shop at Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, has been totally renovated.

It was due to reopen in November, but the date was pushed back after the Post Office said major repair work was needed.

Thames Valley Police charged a 47-year-old man, from London, with arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the incident, who is next due in court in October.

News imageDesmond Kudzanai A fire engine and police van parked outside a post office. There is another white car and black car parked next to them. There are emergency workers standing outside.Desmond Kudzanai
Emergency services were called to the property on 10 June

It has been closed since 10 June after liquid was poured on to a counter and set alight.

An interim branch has opened at Milton Keynes City Council's civic offices in Saxon Gate East.

It then moved to Midsummer Place on 4 November.

The Post Office said new owners Universal Office Equipment Ltd (UOE) had opened a "Stamp" store, alongside the post office, which will sell cards, gifts and stationery.

News imagePost Office The outside of a post office, with red and white signage, glass windows and items inside the store. A door is open to the left. Post Office
The premise has been totally renovated

Emily Darlington, the Labour MP, for Milton Keynes Central, said: "It's been a challenging year for the branch, but people have rallied round to maintain vital Post Office services to the city centre.

"Over 2,400 people signed my petition to keep services active, which just shows how important it is for the people in our city."

News imagePost Office A close up of the Post Office on Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes. It shows one of the ground-length windows has been smashed and a blackened interior. Police tape is wrapped along the front of the building.Post Office
The property was heavily damaged in the fire

Liberal Democrat council leader Jane Carr said: "We are glad that we were able to play our part in accommodating a temporary location.

"It's great news to have Milton Keynes back at its original, permanent premises."

She added that many improvements had been made "making much better use of space".

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