Village post office set to close within months
A POST Office branch in a village is set to close later this year – but moves are under way to find other premises.
The Royal Mail has confirmed the fate of the Anstey branch, in Bradgate Road. In a statement, it said the branch will be able to stay open until April, but after that things become uncertain.
While details are still being finalised, a spokesman confirmed the premises for the branch are “being withdrawn” for Post Office use.
He told the Mercury that the company is working hard to find suitable alternative premises for residents to have access to their banking, billing and posting needs.
The Royal Mail statement said: “The premises where Anstey post office is based is being withdrawn for Post Office use later this year. Details are being finalised.
“We know how important a post office is to community and we are working hard to find an alternative location. The vacancy will be advertised shortly.”
Reaction to the news was generally of dismay when residents took to Facebook to discuss the pending closure:
“Anstey is growing rapidly, population-wise, but everything is closing down,” said one resident.
Another said that elderly people rely on the services at the store, adding: “What the heck will those of us who have no transport do? And all the pensioners who rely on them? It’s disgusting.”
Another agreed, saying: “This is disgusting if this happens. Apart from the cash machines where are you going to get cash from? Not all elderly people like using the machines.
“Where are the elderly going to pay their bills? It’s time the councillors got involved to stop this from happening to their village and their supporters.”
However, one resident claimed the building had been sold and it was uncertain if the new owner would allow the Post Office to continue there.
The Mercury contacted the store directly, but they were unable to comment.