Trull post office closed - (Banks to Blame ?)

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A VILLAGE postmaster forced to retire on health grounds has taken a parting shot at the banks for not helping him find a buyer.

Trevor Smith, 67, who has terminal cancer, said he had no option but to close Trull Post Office today after 13 years.

“I’ve had it on the market for five years but been unable to sell,” said Mr Smith.

“Four people were interested, but when they went to the banks with a business plan they were turned down because it’s a post office.

“It’s a shame having to close, but there’s nothing else I can do.”

Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne said Trull Post Office, which escaped a cull of thousands of outlets under a nationwide review, contributed towards a “strong village community”.

He added: “Many of the banks are owned by the taxpayer and should feel an obligation to lend money to community businesses that can demonstrate a viable financial plan.”

A Post Office Ltd spokeswoman said the closure was temporary, adding: “We’ll be working hard to find a solution to retaining a post office presence in the local community.”

That could involve seeking out alternative premises.

Villager Mark Edwards, a district councillor, praised Mr Smith as “a fine postmaster”.

Mr Edwards said: “I can’t believe Post Office Ltd doesn’t have the ability to keep a post office like Trull open – that would make it easier to find a buyer.

“We need a solution quickly – the post office has a catchment of 3,000 people and lots elderly people rely on it.”