Heartfelt thanks from Southminster postmaster

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A DEPARTING postmaster has left a message of heartfelt thanks to villagers after he was relieved of his position.

Julian Hull was removed as postmaster at the Southminster sub-post office in North Street following an audit in June.

The office closed last Wednesday after the departure of an interim postmaster left no staff to run the branch.

Residents had petitioned Royal Mail to keep Mr Hull in a job but to no avail.

In a letter displayed on the screens at the post office counter, Mr Hull said: "It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that this Post Office will be closing on Wednesday 11th August. As many of you know I had an audit some nine weeks ago and was found to be in breach of my contract in as much as I had broken some of Post Office Ltd rules and regulations. At no time have I ever done anything criminal or illegal and only ever ran this Post Office to the best of my ability, and tried to give you my customers, the best possible service that I could.”

Mr Hull went on to thank shop staff and the interim postmaster for keeping the post office running and dealing with questions from worried members of the public.

And he added: "Most of all I would like to thank all of you for the massive support you have given me in recent weeks for which I am very touched, and I cannot begin to say how much that has meant to me. I look forward to still seeing you all around the village and here's hoping we get a Post Office back in our village as soon as possible."

Royal Mail has indicated that it intends to maintain services in the area and it is believed that the closure is only a temporary measure.

A letter sent to the parish council from Post Office Ltd stated: “We are currently seeking applications from potential retail partners to run the post office on behalf of Post Office Ltd.

“We are fully aware of the importance of a post office in the local community and any disruption is bound to be unpopular.

“Please be assured that it is our intention to maintain a service in this area.”

However, villagers are now forced to make the journey into neighbouring towns and villages for post office services.

[subbie]

Silent closure program strikes again.

Subbie