THE Post Office has apologised after the scheduled reopening of its Corringham branch failed to happen.

The branch, on St John's Way, closed in February following the retirement of long-serving postmaster Pravin 'Bob' Patel.

In November the company announced it had agreed terms with a potential operator and Friday, 22 December was scheduled as the reopening date.

However, yesterday the shutters remained down.

The Post Office has now issued the following statement: "We sincerely apologise that The Precinct Post Office was not able to open before Christmas as originally planned.

"We are working with the Postmaster to finalise preparations, which are taking longer than anticipated. It is now expected that the branch will now open in February."