A post office in Bushey threatened with closure has been temporarily saved today after Post Office Ltd deferred a decision on its future.

Following a campaign by hundreds of residents, politicians and the Watford Observer, the controversial proposal to close the Moatfield branch in Harcourt Road, will be investigated by independent watchdog Postwatch.

A statement released today said Post Office Ltd was not going ahead with the closure of the Moatfield branch but later stated: “The proposal to close Moatfield Post Office branch is currently in the process of a further review with Postwatch.”

The branch's postmaster Mukund Brahmbhatt, said: "It's heart-sinking every time something comes up. At least they are considering it which is something positive."

He added that he hoped the hundreds of letters written by residents of three local care homes, schools and a housing estate would be taken into account.

Local Hertsmere Borough Councillor Pervez Choudhury said he was pleased to see Postwatch fighting to keep the branch open but concerned that other offices had been kept open today without a need for an additional review.

These saved Post Offices are in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, Southend-on-sea, Essex, and Bourne End, Hertfordshire.