Paulton Post Office future still unsure as postmaster retires

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A Somerset village is still in the dark over the future of its Post Office.

Paulton, with a population of almost 5,000, could be left without a Post Office and, despite people's best efforts, a location is yet to be found.

The current postmaster is set to retire in March 2017 meaning the post office, next to the Red Lion pub, will close.

Bath and North East Somerset councillors John Bull and Liz Hardman are worried about the hardship not having a Post Office would cause.

They said: "As BANES councillors for Paulton we have been made very aware over the last few weeks of the importance of the local Post Office to Paulton and the hardship that its closure in March will cause, particularly to elderly and less mobile residents."

The pair met with regional representatives of the Post Office and explored with them a number of options for housing the service elsewhere in the village.

Mrs Hardman said: "Unfortunately we have had no success so far because none of the existing shops in Paulton feel able to take on this service. Another meeting with the Post Office is planned soon, together with representatives of the parish council, and we will be pursuing at least one further possibility.

"We are also concerned that if there is no immediate replacement for the existing building that at least there is an interim arrangement - maybe for a limited number of hours - to bridge the gap after March."

A Post Office spokesperson, said: "The Postmaster at Paulton Post Office wants to retire and has decided to resign, taking effect at the end of March. We are committed to maintaining a Post Office in Paulton. The vacancy is advertised on our website."

The nearest alternative branches in the area are:

High Littleton, High Street, High Littleton, Bristol, BS39 6JD. Open Monday to Friday: 9am – 5.30pm; Saturday: 9am - 1pm
Midsomer Norton, 122b High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HU. Open Monday: 9am – 6pm; Tuesday – Friday: 9am – 5.45pm; Saturday: 9am – 1pm.
Clutton, Temple Cloud, Main Road, Temple Cloud, Bristol, BS39 5BZ. Open Monday – Saturday: 5 am – 10pm; Sunday: 7am – 10pm.
Timsbury, North Road, Timsbury, BA2 0JJ. Open: Monday – Sunday: 6am - 10pm.
Hallatrow, Hallatrow Sub Delivery Office, Wells Road, Hallatrow, Bristol, BS39 6EJ. Open Monday: 2 – 4pm