THE owner of a post office and convenience store in Bemerton Heath has slammed a “ridiculous” rent increase.

Amanda Andrews, who runs Bemerton Heath Post Office and Londis Store in Pembroke Road with her husband Stephen, says the new rent proposed by Salisbury City Council has nearly doubled — increasing to more than £1,000 a month.

Mrs Andrews, who has run the business for 11 years, said: “As a small business I just think it is absolutely ridiculous.”

She says she only found out about the rent increase, which was due to start from December 1, on Thursday, November 28 after receiving an email from the city council.

She says she never received a letter about it, which she later discovered had been sent to her old address.

She said she was “absolutely furious”, adding: “They [Salisbury City Council]should do more to support local businesses.”

“It is totally unfair for them to do that,” said Mrs Andrews, who fears the rent increase could mean she will have to lose a member of staff.

“We’ve lost the main post office [in Salisbury].”

Mrs Andrews says that they have invested their own money into improving and refurbishing the post office and shop.

She has contacted Salisbury City Council to reconsider the decision.

A spokesperson for Salisbury City Council said: “The rent had not increased for 15 years.

“The rent is independently assessed by professionals against other rents of similar properties. The council agrees the final number but do not calculate it.

“It is unfortunate,we don’t deny that at all.

“We encourage her to come and talk to the council.”