'End of an era' as Rising Bridge Post Office announces closure after 27 years

A community have been left devastated after a beloved Post Office announced its 'shock' closure.

Residents and customers have been left saddened after the Rising Bridge branch, based on Blackburn Road, confirmed it is closing its doors next week for the final time after 27 years.

Postmistress Barbara Poole and her husband Billy said it has "been a privilege to serve the people of Rising Bridge and the surrounding areas". They said the decision to close was "due to ill health" and said they "did everything we could to relocate it but all our efforts fell short".

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The branch is set to close next Thursday (May 23), however the couple said they "may re-open at a later date as a new business" depending on their situation and are asking people for suggestions "on what they would like to see in the local community".

The full statement posted on Facebook last night read: "It has been a privilege to serve the people of Rising Bridge and the surrounding areas over the past 27 years and we would like to thank you all for your valued custom. Now, due to ill health we have decided to close down as a post office.

"We understand that this may come as a shock to local residents to no longer have a post office in the community, however we did everything we could to relocate it but all our efforts fell short. Depending on the situation we find ourselves in, we may re open at a later date as a new business, with a completely new venture.

"If anyone has any suggestions on what they would like to see in the local community we would be happy to hear them. Our official closing date is the 23rd of May 2024. We will be holding a closing down sale and would like to welcome everyone along.

"Once again we would like to thank everybody who has supported us throughout the years. Billy & Barbara."

Commenting on the post, Garry and Pauline said: "Sorry to hear this Billy and Barbara but time to put yourselves first, you have been a valued part of the community for many years. Good luck with the future whatever you decide."

Leanne Brown wrote: "Thank you for all you have done, you will be missed. All the best for the future."

Jodi Ann penned: "Aw what a shame. Me & all of my family have loved coming to your post office for the last 27 years, end of an era."

Paula Sowerby wrote: "Wishing you both all the best, thank you for providing such a good community service for all those years, and a big thank you on behalf of my mum and auntie, no longer with us, but who both were very grateful to have a nearby post office and enjoyed talking to you.."

Liz Marsh added: "Such a shame but I wish you all the best" and Heather Grimshaw Liptrot said: "All the best to you both and your continued health."