Last updated 19:50, Thursday, 14 August 2008

A WORKINGTON Post Office will close its doors for the final time at 1pm today.

The Vulcans Lane branch, run by Gwen Cox, dealt with about 1,500 transactions every week, but has had to close due to a reorganisation of the postal service.

Mrs Cox, who has been the postmistress for four years, said: “I am upset to be leaving the job because I have built up a relationship with my customers, especially the older ones who rely on the post office to help them out.

“It is disappointing that offices around the country are closing. A lot of people still need them because they know and trust us. Now elderly people will have to go somewhere else and it will be impersonal to them and that isn’t nice.

“I have enjoyed being here and providing a good service to people. It is a shame that is has had to end like this.”

Customers rallied to try to save the branch and a petition was set up by Jean Wilson, 73, of Brayton Street. She managed to collect more than 700 signatures in total.

She said: “I feel terrible that the post office is closing. I always hoped they would change their minds, but they haven’t.

“The nearest post office is only on Oxford Street but for the elderly people who cannot get about as well then it becomes an issue for them.

“We are always made to feel welcome in the Vulcans Lane office and I will be sad to see the doors closed.”

Charlie Hodgson, 67, of Vulcans Lane, said: “I always use this post office when I need to send a letter.

“The women who work there are a great help and it will be sad to see it closed.”

Other post offices that have already closed in West Cumbria are High Harrington, Brigham, Broughton Moor, Camerton, Crosby, Maryport’s Grasslot and Hayton near Aspatria.