THREE new stores are being lined up for Dorchester's old post office site, once refurbishment of the site is finished.

The post office has already relocated from South Street to Trinity Street as part of the project.

Now developer Target Blue has confirmed that Laura Ashley, MacKays and Starbucks will be taking units on the old post office site.

The scheme involves the renovation of stonework, relocation and modernisation of the post office, creation of 10 luxury apartments and development of the three shop units.

Yesterday, the developer and its contractor George and Harding Construction Ltd handed over a mural to Dorchester town mayor, Robin Potter that had been salvaged from the development.

The mural, by artist David Willis which details some of Dorchester's history, was painted for the post office in 1971 and is approximately 50 feet long and four feet high.

The mural shows the town landscape throughout the ages with reference to key events and social figures including Thomas Hardy.

George and Harding carefully removed the mural from the old Dorchester post office as part of the work on the £2 million scheme.

Paul Rushent, George and Harding group managing director, said: "We have been working in Dorchester for many years now and are thrilled that we can save this important piece of local heritage for current and future generations".

Dorchester town clerk, Dennis Holmes said the town council was taking the mural into safe custody' to preserve it for future generations. He said: "We've not been able to find anywhere to display the mural but it's too nice to throw away so we will look after it until someone or somewhere can display it."

Remains of a Roman villa were uncovered last year during early excavation works of the site.