HIGHBRIDGE'S Post Office will be closed by the end of the month unless a manager can be found for the branch at the eleventh hour.

The Post Office looked set to close after the postmaster initially resigned in October but after negotiations the branch remained open for six month in the hope a new postmaster could be found to take over.

However this week the Post Office confirmed it had not been able to fill the vacancy and as a result the branch would be closing on Wednesday, April 25.

Highbridge town councillor John Parkes said it was 'sad news' which would affect some of the town's most vulnerable residents.

"One can only hope someone comes forward and can take it over as soon as possible," Cllr Parkes said. "In my experience it is rare that anything that closes for a significant amount of time returns."

"Travelling to the Burnham branch is not too bad if you are young, fit and have transport, but many of the residents who use the post office are elderly, disabled or vulnerable and it may find it difficult."

Cllr Parkes said he could not see how the 'use it or lose it' mantra applied to Highbridge Post Office.

"The branch is very well used. I use it and whenever I go there it is rarely not in use.

The Post Office said it would be working hard to restore services in Highbridge.

A Post Office spokesperson said: "The postmaster for Highbridge has resigned and the premises, which we do not own, is to close on Wednesday, April 25.

"We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services, and we are committed to maintaining a Post Office in Highbridge.

"The vacancy is currently advertised on our website www.runapostoffice.co.uk and we have been visiting local retailers to highlight this new opportunity to them. We are working hard to restore Post Offices services.”

The closest alternative branches are

The full addresses of alternative branches in the area are: Burnham On Sea Post Office, 6 Victoria Street, Burnham-On-Sea, TA8 1AL and Brent Knoll Post Office, Brent Street, Brent Knoll, TA9 4DT.