Long Ashton’s Post Office is set to reopen next month after it was rocked by an explosion.

It has been closed since January 4 when thieves blew up its cash machine in the early hours of the morning, causing extensive damage to the structure and destroying much of the store’s interior and stock.

Work to clear everything out from inside the shop started the following week before the wall at the front of the building had to be knocked down and rebuilt.

The final steps of the building’s refurbishment are due to take place over the next few weeks as a new shop front is put in place and the interior is renovated.

Owners Andrew Crabb and David Andrews hope it will reopen to the public on May 19.

David said: “It has been challenging trying to pull everything together but we are pretty much there now.

“So hopefully in the next week the shop front will go in and we can start working on the inside.

“Since it happened we have been working at our store in Bedminster, working on new ideas and looking to bring in new stock.

“We just can’t wait to reopen and serve everyone again now.”

David thanked the community, which has offered plenty of kind words through messages, letters and on social media.

Avon and Somerset police has not charged anyone with the offence three months after the incident but seven suspects remain on bail on suspicion of burglary and conspiracy to cause an explosion.