POST office customers in Worcestershire will find out next week which of their local branches are to close.

The news comes as one post office in Malvern confirms it is being shut.

Sub-postmistress Ali Poole has placed a notice on the counter of Poolbrook Post Office telling customers the branch is definitely being shut.

She is now trying to prepare customers for the closure, which is expected to happen in a month’s time.

She said: “The customers are absolutely gutted and I am devastated. I thought we stood a chance. My concern now is my customers, I have got to try and make it as easy as possible for them and make sure they are fully informed about where their closest branch is.”

The branch was one of 10 in south Worcestershire earmarked for closure as part of a national scheme to reduce the post office network after a fall in the number of people using them.

A six-week period of consultation ended at the beginning of October. The Post Office is now considering the feedback received during this consultation and a final decision is expected on Wednesday.

Post Office spokesman Richard Hall refused to comment on the Poolbrook closure.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Richard Burt, who supported the campaign to keep Poolbrook Post Office open, said the closure was “devastating news”.

He said: “Residents have fought a strong campaign to keep their post office. Local businesses and older and disabled people will struggle to get the services they need.”

“Ali Poole looked after people in a way that cannot be replaced. The heart has been ripped out of the community.

“I hope some of the other branches will fare better. We will have to wait and see.”

  • In yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, MP for mid-Worcestershire, Peter Luff, said the closure of Bengeworth Post Office, Evesham, would be a huge blow to small businesses and the local community who rely on its services.