A VALE village pub's plans to give out pensions with its pints have been shelved after post office officials refused to grant a licence.

Licensee of the Gardeners' Arms in Charlton, Hilary Dixon, and her husband, Peter, had hoped to convert a storeroom into a post office and shop.

Last Thursday, their proposal was approved by Wychavon councillors. But now Consignia has said it does not think the area could support another service as well as its Lower Moor outlet and has decided not to grant the licence.

Mr Dixon, who commented that the shop would still go ahead, said: "The post office seemed very, very supportive at first and sent us lots of colour brochures.

"But once they had reviewed the application they were concerned about the viability of the service at Lower Moor and didn't think that this area could support another post office.

"Maybe we will be able to sell stamps, but not give out pensions, with our pints like we had hoped."

Consignia press officer, Don Veale, said: "We've considered the application from the Gardeners' Arms but we decided at the present time not to grant a post office licence."

l Former Cropthorne postmaster David Miller has had an application to change the use of the former post office in Main Street to living accommodation turned down by Wychavon councillors.

Mr Miller said he would consider an appeal against the council's decision.