Sawtry Post Office was due to close last week over safety concerns for its staff and customers.

Following that announcement, however, the Sawtry Covid-19 action group and councillor Simon Bywater came together to arrange a Perspex screen for the counter to help protect the staff and customers.

The directors of local engineering company Spirotech, brothers Russell and Dave Gadsby, provided the required materials and worked to build the protective screen.

The post office is now able to remain open and continues to provide services for local residents. Boots Pharmacy has now got the same screens and work is ongoing at another local shop, John Greens Newsagent.

Cambridge County Council councillor Simon Bywater said: “If the post office had closed it wouldn’t have only affected Sawtry, but all the villages around it too. Russell and David have been very generous in their support for the village and I want to say thank you on behalf of the community.

“It’s really important to keep it open so people can stay in contact with the family and friends during this difficult time. It’s particularly vital for the elderly in our community, who may already feel isolated due to social restrictions.

“It’s great to see everyone working as a team and that people have reacted so positively to our work.”

Director of Spirotech, Russell Gadsby, said: “We’re part of this community and wanted to do our bit so we’re only too happy to help.

“We’re so pleased the post office has managed to remain open, particularly as lots of people in the community rely so heavily on it.”