The return of post office services to a village could be scuppered by legal requirements over access.

A branch in a chemist in Nazeingbury Parage, off Nazeing Road in Nazeing, closed on February 1 due to a lack of customers.

Parish Council chairwoman Daphne Borton confirmed one business has expressed an interest in providing new services, but fears required adaptations may deter any deal.

She said: “We’ve been heavily involved in trying to get the service restored to the town but I'm not going to say it's definitely coming back.

“I think everybody would support a business taking on the services but any shop would have to be adjusted.

“Ramps would have to be installed and the premises would have to be wheelchair friendly.”

Mrs Borton confirmed there is one interested party, but refused to provide further details.

The closest post office is now the Keysers Estate Sub Post Office in Old Nazeing Road.