VILLAGERS in Higham will find it easier to collect pensions, if plans to open a second post office go ahead.

In August 2000, the post office in Chequers Street closed when the sub-postmaster Derek Dolly and his wife Julie gave it up after 15 years.

Since then, there has been only one post office in the village mid Higham Post Office, in Hermitage Road.

Following requests from villagers and Gravesham MP Chris Pond, The Post Office Group, Consignia, is now looking for new premises and new sub-postmaster to re-open the post office.

Former sub-postmaster Derek Dolly, who lives in the old post office, says he is delighted because there is a "real need for a second post office".

He said: "When I was running the post office it was taking a lot of business but my wife and I decided we wanted to do something else. I would like to see a second post office in Higham because many people at our end of the village find it difficult to get to mid-Higham Post Office."

A spokesman for Post Office Ltd confirmed there were plans to re-open the post office in Higham.

For details, call the Post Office on 0845 6016260 or write to Post Office Ltd, HR Service Centre, Freepost NWW 1675A, Salford, Manchester, M5 9JB.