RESIDENTS have spoken of their disappointment after it was revealed their convenience store is set to close next month.

Sodexo is shutting the Homefield Road Costcutter store on Colchester’s Army estate.

The shop’s last day will be September 30 and the small Post Office inside the store will close two days before.

One resident said: “It’s the only convenience store on the Army estate. The Post Office is lovely, the ladies in there are fantastic.

“It’s a shame, the kids use it after school. It’s an ideal shop and now we will have to go into town.”

Councillor Dave Harris said it was not good news for the staff.

He said: “I contacted the owners of the site and have been told the shop will be let or sold on.

“I have already been approached by two businessmen who are keen to take the shop over.

“I will be encouraging any new businesses to approach existing Costcutter staff for continuity and assured employment.

“St Michael’s Estate needs the store in the community and I will be keeping an eye on things as the situation develops.”

A spokesman for the Post Office confirmed it will close temporarily in September “following the withdrawal of premises for Post Office use”.

He said: “While we always work hard to maintain Post Office services, from time to time branches do temporarily close.

“When this happens, we always look to restore services as quickly as possible, as we know how important Post Offices are to communities.

“We will continue to keep the community updated with our plans.”

A spokesman for Sodexo said the closure was following a decision not to renew the lease due to commercial reasons.

He said: “We notified the Ministry of Defence of our intention in February. “We value our team there and if the new leaseholder is unable to provide employment for them, there are opportunities we can offer them elsewhere on the garrison for those wishing to transfer.”

Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should email nd.enquiries@postoffice.co.uk or visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk.