Guernsey Post received a petition and letters against the closure

The company had previously said the permanent closure of the Sandy Hook outlet at L'Islet could save it as much as �30,000 a year.

But the closure is being opposed by island consumer group Postwatch, local residents and traders.

Guernsey Post says the decision to defer the closure has been partially influenced by public feeling.

During a public consultation period, the company received a petition opposing the closure signed by hundreds of local residents.

It also received 19 letters and e-mails from individuals and a submission from Postwatch.

A statement announcing its decision said the board of Guernsey Port would defer the closure of the post office subject to further discussions with the States and the Office of Utility Regulation (OUR).