Arson inquiry Post Office has to relocate again

The temporary Post Office counter is moving from the council offices to a shopping centre in Milton Keynes

A Post Office branch that was damaged in a suspected arson attack in the summer is now having to move from its temporary location.

Following the fire at the Midsummer Boulevard branch in June, the interim branch set up at Milton Keynes City Council's civic offices in Saxon Gate East closes at 18:00 GMT on Friday to allow for essential maintenance work.

It will then reopen at an empty premises in the Midsummer Place shopping centre on Tuesday, 4 November.

Paul Mead, Post Office head of directly managed branches, praised staff who he described as "amazing" having "been through the ordeal of the fire" and continuing to serve customers.

The plan is to move back to the permanent location at Midsummer Boulevard on 26 November after repair work has been completed.

It was damaged on Tuesday, 10 June when a man poured liquid on to a counter and set it alight.

Thames Valley Police said a man, who was arrested on suspicion of arson, was on police bail and remained under investigation.

A man from London has been arrested on suspicion of arson following the fire at the branch at Midsummer Boulevard

The interim branch has been operating from the council's civic offices since July.

The new temporary premises in Midsummer Place are located at the former Clarendon Fine Art Gallery (opposite Five Guys) near the "Frog Clock".

The Post Office said the extent of damage caused by the fire has meant repairs and refurbishment were taking longer than expected.

It said alternative branches for customers included:

• Harrier Court Post Office

• Coffee Hall Post Office

• Shenley Church End

The Post Office said the extent of damage caused by the fire meant repairs and refurbishment were taking longer than expected

Mr Mead said: "We're very grateful that Milton Keynes City Council provided space for us at its council offices which allowed us to restore service to the residents, businesses and shoppers.

"We fully understand that the council needs to carry out essential maintenance work at its office, therefore, we need to vacate."