PLANS to close Chew Magna Post Office have sparked strong local reaction, with residents and business owners condemning the loss of a vital village service siting a lack of suitable alternatives.

The branch is set to close at 5.30pm on Friday, March 27, with the postmistress due to resign and the premises being withdrawn from Post Office use.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “The postmistress has resigned and the current premises is being withdrawn from Post Office use. We want to thank the postmistress for providing a service to this community for the past 13 years.

“The operator has wanted to leave for some years and we have been trying to find a solution to maintain Post Office services in the area. Regrettably, there have not been any suitable options to date. The vacancy is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk and we would still welcome interest from someone to operate a replacement branch.

“Alternative branches in the area are Winford, which is 2.7 miles away, and Bishopsworth, which is 3.9 miles away.”

Residents have raised concerns about the impact the closure could have on older people and those who rely on the Post Office for everyday services, including banking and bill payments. With limited public transport in the area, some say travelling to alternative branches could prove difficult for many.

Sam Oliphant, organiser of Chew Chat, said: “The proposed closure of Chew Magna Post Office is a serious and avoidable blow to our community, especially to older residents who depend on it for banking, cash, parcels and face-to-face support.

“This is not simply a retirement, nor is it driven by the sale of the building. The reality is that the Post Office has chosen not to renew Moira’s long-standing contract and has instead imposed a new payment model that makes a standalone community branch financially impossible to run.”

The Post Office says it is continuing to seek someone to run a replacement branch, but residents remain concerned about the future of essential services in Chew Magna. For many in the village, the closure represents more than the loss of a business, it removes a key community hub that has served generations of locals.

Resident Hazel Wedlake, said: “This is devastating news for all people in the surrounding area, also the Chew Valley Country Market. Since the NatWest bank in Chew Magna closed several years ago, we have used the Post Office to pay in our weekly takings or obtain cash, as do many other businesses.

“Our nearest Post Office would then be some five miles away and does not have the full range of services Chew Magna has had. I understand Winford Post Office is also under threat.

“Not only that, it is the heart of the village, and our lady postmaster and assistants have been there to answer any questions, provide all the Post Office services, sell tickets for local events, and not to mention taking in lost property and being a friend to everyone.”