A COMMUNITY has been “let down” after talks to secure post office service came to a halt, according to a councillor.

Post office bosses were forced to close the post office in Hunwicke Road, Colchester, after the postmaster decided to step down.

Leaders in the Greenstead community attempted to find an alternative location but one could not be found.

Instead councillor Julie Young broached using a pop-up service at Greenstead Library.

After months of negotiations she was told it was no longer an option, despite other services being set up in the town.

She said: “Months went by and then we went into lockdown. I sent a couple of emails asking where we were with it.

“Then I heard a post office was going into Prettygate Library which seemed very sudden.

“I had been trying for three years to get an agreement reached for it to move into the library.”

Instead people have had to travel nearly two miles to Ipswich Road Post Office.

A new post office has this month opened at the Hythe, but Julie says it is still not convenient for all of those living in Greenstead.

She said: “The Greenstead community needs a post office. Footfall was never a problem.

“We have spent three years talking about it coming to the library.

“Then they have gone and agreed it for Prettygate, I feel rather let down.”

A Post Office spokesman, said: “Talks were held before the coronavirus pandemic to explore the possibility of opening a Post Office in Greenstead Library. Recent talks with Essex County Council focused on opening a temporary post office at Prettygate Library to replace the branch that closed recently.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “Essex Libraries remains open to discussions with the Post Office for a provision in Greenstead Library.

“However, the Post Office advises us that due to the commercial effect of the Covid-19 restrictions, they are not in a position to fund any new projects this financial year.

“This is disappointing, but the Post Office, as with a lot of businesses has not been immune to the financial effects of the pandemic.

“The Prettygate pop-up post office is a new initiative from the Post Office and will be used as a temporary service.”

Library campaigners Save Our Libraries Essex are against moving post offices into the sites.

A spokesman said: “Public libraries are not suitable places for franchises, and can’t be expected to take on the post office problem. “Local public library spaces, books and services must be preserved and full access protected – libraries are more important than ever.”