Bridgnorth Post Office branch in 'temporary' closure
Bridgnorth's Low Town Post Office has closed – with no indication of when it could reopen.
The branch in St John's Street, shut yesterday, with a sign on the door saying the closure is temporary.
Bob and Anita Beckett, who have run the post office for 21 years, have retired, partly due to Bob's ill health.
Mrs Beckett, 66, said that because small independent post offices like the one in Low Town were not cost effective, Post Office policy was to convert them into convenience stores or re-site them in supermarkets.
She said: "Unfortunately it is not possible to convert our current premises into a convenience store because of lack of floor space and the local competition, with four major supermarkets and food halls on our doorstep.
"And none of them could be persuaded to let the Low Town Post Office be re-sited into their premises, despite efforts to persuade them by ourselves, the Post Office and MP Philip Dunne.
"Therefore we fear it is the end of an era for the Low Town community, which for us personally has been a privilege to serve - coming to work has been an absolute joy.
"We want to say a big thank you to the neighbours, businessman, customers and Bridgnorth Sorting Office postmen and post ladies, who not only supported us but become friends."
Kathryn Hollingsworth, speaking on behalf of the Post Office, said: "Following the resignation of the Postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use, Low Town Post Office branch closed temporarily on January 27.
"We would like to assure customers that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a post office service to the local community.
"In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.
"Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service."
The two branches that remain open in Bridgnorth are in High Town and are sited on the High Street and in Sydney Cottage Drive.
