Rettendon's post office will close this month because the owner can no longer afford to keep it open.
End of an era - Oakdene Stores is being sold off because the owner can't make ends meet 8WE7W1
The business has been struggling for some time, but the closure of the old A130 put the final stamp on its future.
John Kingham, 65, the owner of Oakdene Stores in Main Road, said things were so bad that he and his wife would work 80 hours a week between them but only earn £40 each.
He said: "The business is dying on its feet."
He is now selling the unit for private housing. He blamed people for not supporting local shops.
The problem would be exacerbated next year when all pensions were paid directly into bank accounts and not collected from local post offices.
A replacement post office is expected to move into Theobalds shop on Whitehouse Farm.
Published Monday, April 8, 2002
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