THE Post Office has confirmed the date when a branch on the Herefordshire border will close for good as the postmaster retires after 35 years.

Steve Like's family has run the post office in Hay-on-Wye for more than 60 years, with himself at the helm for the last 35.

Mr Like has tried to find a buyer for five years without success, and it means the town on the border between Herefordshire and Powys, which has already lost all of its banks, will now lose its post office as well.

The Post Office has now issued an update, confirming the branch in High Town will shut its doors for the last time at 5pm on Thursday, June 17.

RELATED NEWS:

Katimay John, network provision lead at the Post Office, said the "temporary closure" was "regrettable".

"I would like to assure you that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community," they said in a letter to customers.

"In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.

"Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service."

The letter added options being considered include a "local-style branch" which runs alongside an established retail shop in "newly refurbished premises and creates a more modern and convenient experience for customers".

OTHER NEWS:

"I would like to assure you that we are working with the Postmaster in reinstating the post office service to the local community," Katimay John said.

In the meantime, customers have been told to travel to nearby Glasbury, or eight miles to Talgarth, to visit a post office.

The Post Office says it will continue to notify, engage and consult with the community before making any changes.