THE couple who run Wrafton Post Office have cancelled plans to move the facility to Chivenor and are instead opening a new childcare business alongside.

Ian and Jenny Ball announced last summer they were considering moving the business to Chivenor Service Station, which they also own.

Some villagers were unhappy because they felt it would be difficult for elderly people without transport to access the relocated post office.

Now the couple plan to have an Ofsted-approved childcare facility at the back of the premise, which will be run by their daughters Paula and Sharon.

Ian Ball said a dramatic fall in shop sales following the opening of the new Braunton Tesco superstore influenced the decision to consider moving to Chivenor.

He said: "We understood the concerns but at the same time it seemed the best option.

"Quite a few reasons have changed our mind, such as the economic climate in the country at present.

"This led us to believe it would be best to stay where we are. The response from customers has been very positive."

The couple are now planning to reduce the food items on sale, expand stationery items and keep the post office services such as car tax, foreign currency and travel insurance

They will move the shop and post office counter around to make more space.

Ian said: "With declining post office revenue and to maintain services for many years in the community we are pressing ahead with a new venture,.

"This will be called Wrafton Wrascals which is an Ofsted approved childcare facility open from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and managed by our daughters Sharon and Paula who together have 20 years childcare experience.

Sharon has come from Kingsacre Pre School to start the enterprise alongside Paula who has taught in a Montessori school environment and moved to the area with her family."

Wrafton Wrascals opened for business on Sunday. The couple are applying for planning permission for an outside play area and a new sign at the front.

For more information contact 01271 812246.