Postmaster 'gutted' over post office closure

Postmaster Jo Fuller said the closure of the post office was "very sad for the community"

A post office in a Devon town has been forced to close after Royal Mail withdrew delivery services from the building.

Post Office Ltd confirmed its branch in Lynton would close on 22 December.

Royal Mail said it closed the Lynton delivery office, which was situated within the post office building on Lee Road, because it was not "fit for purpose".

Postmaster Jo Fuller said the loss of income from rent had made the post office unviable and she will now sell the building.

The Lynton post office is to close on 22 December

Lynton has had a post office for more than 100 years.

Ms Fuller said: "It's very sad times, very sad for the community as well.

"We're gutted that we've had to do it."

She said the Lynton post office was unusual in that it housed other businesses in the building.

These days most post offices are retail outlets with a post office counter.

The Royal Mail delivery office generated about a third of the Lynton post office's income through rent.

The closure of the Lynton branch means residents will need to drive more than 20 minutes to visit the nearest branch in Challacombe.

Royal Mail withdrew its delivery office from the building in September

There is also a weekly outreach service in Parracombe, which is a 12-minute drive.

Post Office Ltd said it was reviewing service provision in the area and it would update residents when the review is finished.

It said Royal Mail closed the delivery office in September and had paid compensation to the postmaster.

A spokesman said: "Our area manager had also been working with the postmaster to help recommend where overheads could be reduced and ways to increase revenue.

"We regret that they have made the decision to resign as a postmaster and want to thank them for the service they have provided to their community.”

Royal Mail said the delivery office in Lynton "wasn’t fit for purpose with limited welfare for staff".

"It moved to Barnstaple where there are appropriate facilities in place."

It added there was a number of post boxes situated near the Lynton post office.

The post office has operated in the town for more than 100 years