Family that’s shutting shop after 140 years

A POST office run by the same family for 140 years is closing. Having taken over the business that her great-grandfather started back in 18 9, Claire Hutchings has decided to shut down – partly due to rising financial pressure.

In a village that has already lost a doctor’s surgery, a pub, and with the local shop up for sale, the closing of the post office marks another blow for Prestbury, Gloucestershire.

Mrs Hutchings, 62, said: ‘Post offices are vital. ‘They used to be one-stop shops where people could get everything they need and catch up with friends but today, people are doing things so much more online.’

The married mother of two, who is pictured with colleague Janet Warburton, added: ‘Customer demand has dramatically fallen over recent years. It is no longer a sustainable business. As well as dealing with letters, post offices are a good way to check up on people.

‘I know 99 per cent of the customers by name and many know me from when I was a girl.’