Race to find 'alternative' post office after closure

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THE closure of Benson post office is causing “angst”, says one veteran villager.

Martyn Spence, who chairs The Bensington Society, said: “The post office has always been a vital part of the village and this sudden announcement of its closure is causing a great deal of angst.

“The post office attracts an awful lot of customers from outlying villages who would rather not go into Wallingford for their shopping.”

Postmistress Cindy Olley is retiring next month due to ill health and no replacement has been found. It comes five months after the village newsagents shut. Three other businesses have closed within the last three years.

Mr Spence, 69, who has lived in Benson for 40 years, added: “It’s yet another loss of important facilities, especially for those people who are less mobile.”

A spokeswoman for the Royal Mail said the High Street branch would close on August 18. She added: “We are seeking a suitable operator to provide post office services. We apologise to customers for any inconvenience while a suitable alternative is secured.”

At a meeting of Benson Parish Council last week, chairman Bill Pattison said: “The Post Office is doing its damnedest to find some form of replacement and it’s their remit. We’re a parish council — we don’t run post offices. If they’re not able to secure some sort of replacement, then as a community we can start being involved.”