A POST OFFICE and shop in Monkton Farleigh which has served the community for 125 years has closed its doors for the last time.

Sub-postmaster Ron Scott, 69, and his wife Ann, 67, who have run the business for the past 19 years, have decided they need a rest.

Mrs Scott, who lives in Bristol with her husband, said: “What used to take us 25 minutes now takes 45, and we thought we’d like to have a break before retirement.”

“We hope an alternative is found. We’d like to thank the entire village who have supported us for the past 19 years.”

It is not clear what will happen to the building, which is owned by a private landlord, but the Post Office said it is working to restore services to the village.

It is considering offering an outreach service, available for a few hours a week from the village hall, or setting up a new Post Office local, which runs alongside an established local shop.

At the moment the nearest post office is four miles away at the Southern Co-operative in Winsley Road, Bradford on Avon.

Mr and Mrs Scott were presented with a gift and a bouquet by Monkton Farleigh Parish Council last Friday.

Phyllis Thorne, 83, who has lived in the village all her life, gave a speech saying: “The focal point of the village has been the post office and shop. It’s the hub of the community and where we meet each other.

“This is a historic day for the village. It is a major change that we will all have to adjust to.”

“It means so much because we get our pensions here so it is a great loss to the village.”

Villagers have expressed concerns that some elderly residents might not be able to get to the nearest post office and corner shop.

Matthew Midlane, vice chairman of the parish council said: “Many people buy their milk and bread there as well as use the post office and there are one or two who are too frail to drive.”

A Post Office spokesman said: “Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service. This may be an outreach service or a new style branch known as a Post Office local.

“In exploring options for a post office in Monkton Farleigh it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.”