Sandown residents have been told the post office counter, inside a shop about to reopen on Avenue Road, will not return later this month (January).

Central Stores closed in October 2022 and the post office shut in March 2023.

Now, a new convenience store will replace the shop part of the business.

On Facebook, a post by Family Shopper, reads: “The store is finally starting to come together!

Read more: Isle of Wight convenience store in Sandown to become Family Shopper

“We honestly cannot WAIT to show you.

“A HUGE thank you to everyone who has worked on the project.”

Family Shopper has around 80 stores across the UK, including one in Cowes and each is independently-owned by local retailers.

As well as the usual branded products, the shops also sell own-label items.

The Sandown store is expected to open on January 24, but it has been confirmed the post office will not be returning to the building.

The Post Office said the vacancy continues to be advertised at runapostoffice.co.uk, adding alternative branches include Lake and Shanklin.