'Unforeseen circumstances' forces 'shock' closure of rural post office services serving three Shropshire villages

The Post Office outreach service which had been serving the villages of Minsterley, Hope and Shawbury will no longer be running from Monday, February 17.

The announcement came as a "bolt out of the blue" to Chirbury and Worthen councillor Heather Kidd, who said Hope's parish clerk was notified about the service on Friday, February 14.

In a letter to residents, area change manager Carol Williams apologised for the late notification, and said "unforeseen circumstances" had meant the postmaster from Pontesbury would no longer be operating the service.

Post Office outreach services are designed to retain access to postal services in remote areas, or areas with dispersed populations, often utilising mobile vans or community buildings. In Hope, the service had been run out of the village hall.

The letter stated: "Regrettably, the postmaster from Pontesbury branch will no longer be operating Minsterley, Hope and Shawbury Hosted outreach services due to unforeseen circumstances. 

"We apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause."

The letter also confirmed that services at Acton Burnell and Worthen would continue to operate as normal.

Speaking about the service in Hope, Councillor Kidd said: “This is a most valued service. It is run at the same time as the weekly coffee morning which brings the whole community together. 

“This has come as a shock to the whole community. I have spoken to Pontesbury Post Office and will contact the management of the Post Office on Monday."

A consultation into the services was opened on February 14 and is running until March 14. Those wishing to partake can email comments@postoffice.co.uk

Councillor Kidd added: "I really urge everyone affected to fill in the consultation and make clear to the Post Office how valued and necessary this post office is!”