Popular post office to close
A POST Office will close permanently after efforts to find a new operator failed.
The popular branch on High Street in Rishton shut temporarily last year ‘for operational reasons’ and bosses said they have been ‘exploring our options’ to restore the service.
Post Office account executive Steven Simpson said the vacancy has been advertised on their website and a member of the field team ‘personally visited the area’ to find a solution.
However in a letter to residents he said they have received ‘no interest or formal applications for the position’ and the branch will ‘remain closed’.
Mr Simpson said: “Unfortunately, we have been unable to identify a suitable solution and I’m therefore writing to you and other local representatives to advise you that as there have been no suitable opportunities to re-establish a service, this branch will remain closed.
“We would of course consider any appropriate options if there are any significant changes in the area in the future.
“However due to the length of time the branch has been closed, we would need to satisfy ourselves that any new opportunity would be sustainable for both the Post Office and the operator.
“We regret we have been unable to restore this service locally.”
Rishton councillor Jeff Scales said it is ‘very sad news’ and will be ‘yet another hole’ on the street.
He said: “I know there was a proposal put forward to integrate the Post Office within one of the existing shops. I will be enquiring with the Post Office about what the plans are. “
Customers are being advised to use Post Office branches in Clayton-leMoors and Accrington.