The closure of a Colchester post office has been announced after the retirement of its postmaster.
The branch at 192 Shrub End Road is due to shut it doors on March 26, with the man in charge wanting to leave for some years while trying to find a solution to maintain services in the area.
Unfortunately no suitable options to provide a sustainable service going forward have been found but the Post Office is continuing to advertise the opportunity for a new operator to run a replacement service.
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On its website, the Post Office said: "We apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause.
"We hope that our customers will continue to use Post Office services and details of possible alternative Post Office branches in the area are shown at the end of this letter.
The latest available branch information can be found on our website, www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder."
Shrub End councillor, Claire Osborne said: "The announcement that Shrub End Post Office is closing is not simply an administrative update, it is the loss of a community cornerstone.
"I want to place on record my sincere thanks to the postmaster for his years of dedication and service.
"His stewardship has supported residents, businesses and countless daily interactions that form the fabric of our neighbourhood.
"This branch has been woven into the daily rhythm of life in Shrub End and when a Post Office closes, the impact travels far beyond its front door.
"I remain committed to standing with residents as local councillor and advocating robustly for accessible, community-based services that reflect the needs and dignity of those who live here."
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