Emotional workers in final goodbye as Post Office closes

Emotional staff said a final goodbye to customers when the town’s former Post Office shut its doors for good.

None of the 13 workers at the Tufton Street branch - which had served the town for almost 100 years - opted to move to WHSmith, where four counters have opened in the high street book retailer.

Colleagues wore 1920s-themed outfits on their final day at work last Wednesday in a nod to the site’s history.

The branch first opened in 1926 following its move from Bank Street.

Sisters Susan and Ann Vine had spent 40 years working together in the Post Office before it closed.

Susan joined in 1978 aged

18 - a year after Ann started working at the branch.

“I’ve just loved serving the public,” Susan, 59, said.

“It’s been a very sad day and we are going to miss all the colleagues and customers.

Ann agreed, saying: “It’s very sad, we will miss all our friends.

“I have watched families grow up and then I ended up serving their grandchildren.

“It’s better to go out with a smile than a cry.”

All of the Post Office staff decided not to take up positions in WHSmith, but three colleagues have transferred to offices in Sevenoaks, Faversham and Sittingbourne.

Garry Block is set to become a manager at The Pig hotel in Bridge near Canterbury following 12 years as assistant manager at the Post Office.

“The thing I will miss the most is the interaction with the customers,” the 48-year-old said.

“It is just a lovely place to be, everyone is so happy here but I understand the business needs to close.

“It will be very hard to leave and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

The three-storey building in Tufton Street is now on the market for offers in excess of £825,000.

All services - except the cash machine - have moved to the high street book retailer and the opening hours have been revised.

The Post Office in WHSmith is now open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

On Sundays, it is open from 10am to 2pm.

■ What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4,

Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Staff dressed up in 1920s clothing on the final day last Wednesday

The former Post Office in Tufton Street is up for sale

A sign confirms the move