'It's devastating, we're gutted' - volunteers upset as Yate Post Office closes

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A post office in Yate was left with ‘no other option’ but to shut after financial problems.

The Post Office and small shop on North Road, in the outbuilding adjacent to the Codrington Arms, closed officially on Friday, May 31, as the volunteers that ran it revealed that it was financially unsustainable.

It was run by the Codrington Arms landlady Jenna Hale and her father David on largely a voluntary basis since it was officially re-opened in October 2016.

The Post Office contributed £160 per week to the running of the little shop meaning that keeping it open was increasingly difficult.

“My father ran it, effectively as a volunteer, but earlier this year he had a cancer diagnosis,” Jenna explained.

“With that it meant that I was doing a lot of hours in there to try and keep it open but unfortunately with the money from the Post Office it proved too much.

“We are absolutely devastated because a lot of people worked really hard to get the shop and office open.

“The area really needs it, that is why we are gutted.

“The next closest office is quite far away, it is not walking distance so it is a huge shame.

“It was the perfect location but it just didn’t work out.”

Jenna also expressed her disappointment that the Post Office did not support the branch more.

“There just is no concern for residents from them,” Jenna continued.

“It’s a shame but we do not feel supported by them at all, we tried contacting them for help six months ago but nothing happened.”