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A POST office could be demolished in a major redevelopment to make way for apartments for the elderly.

However, Cookham Dean post office in Bigfrith Lane would be re-built with a village shop and smaller post office if plans are approved.

Four apartments designed for the elderly would be built and leased to Cookham pensioners who may be looking to downsize.

Jackie Power, who owns the building, said the demolition is necessary in order to save the Post Office.

She said: "I wanted to keep the post office in the village and the only way we can do that is to start again and put in a new little shop and post office.

"It can't survive as it is. I have kept the post office open this year so we can come up with a solution.

"I looked at the whole scenario and thought there's a lack of accommodation for the elderly in the area and by leasing they won't have to sell their homes and people can downsize.

"Some people have already said to me that it will be ideal for their mothers and fathers and that will be a popular scenario."

The 2001 census shows there were 19,673 people aged 65 or above out of a total population of 133,626 in the Royal Borough.

There were 29 all-pensioner households and out of 737 one-person households in Cookham and Bisham 394 were pensioners.

Mike Copland, trustee of day care centre Elizabeth House, said: "We are conscious through our work at Elizabeth House that Cookham has a slightly higher percentage of elderly residents than the national average.

"So, elderly people have a need for accommodation but it's too early to say precisely what that should be and whether there's a shortfall."

Both Cookham Dean and Cookham Rise escaped the Royal Mail's list of post offices to be axed earlier this year.

Mrs Power added: "We want to make Cookham residents the first priority. It will save the post office from closing and give the village back a little shop and supply them with the basic things like bread and milk."

The plans will be discussed at a Cookham Parish Council meeting on Tuesday.

4:22pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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