Post office bid for fire-hit town

Work is under way to set up a temporary post office in a Dorset market town after the premises were destroyed in a major fire.

About 90 firefighters tackled the blaze in Wimborne town square, which engulfed an 18th century listed terrace of offices, shops, flats and a pub.

An inquiry is under way into the cause of the fire early on Saturday.

An East Dorset District Council spokesman said he was optimistic about the buildings being recovered.

"I'd be optimistic about everything being recovered"

Mike Hirsh, head of planning and building control, said the part of the building housing the newsagents and post office was not currently stable.

The other affected buildings, including two travel agents and the Albion Hotel, have already been secured, but suffered serious water damage from the firefighting and subsequent heavy rain.

Mr Hirsh said: "The Post Office is keen to provide new facilities in town as quickly as possible, and we hope to resolve that next week.

"They are looking at providing a portable post office."

Barrier fencing would remain in the town square "until we are satisfied there is no danger to the public", he said.

"But I'd be optimistic about everything being recovered and put back to how it was, reasonably quickly."

No-one was hurt in the blaze, which began at about 0230 BST on Saturday.

Crews managed to prevent the fire spreading to the nearby Priest House Museum, an historic grade II listed town house.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Dorset For You - East Dorset District Council
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
Post Office
Priest House Museum
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites