CUSTOMERS in Minehead have been shocked to learn their local post office and newsagent is to close.

The sudden news that Alcombe Newsagent and Post Office will cease trading on Saturday (September 9) has been revealed on social media.

A Facebook post says: "It is with sincere regret that we inform you that Alcombe News will be closing permanently on Saturday 9th September 2023.

"Unfortunately, due to the current financial climate; ever-increasing costs; and the fact that remuneration for Post Office services has failed to rise in line with inflation, the running of Alcombe News has become increasingly difficult.

READ MORE: Second West Somerset post office announces closure.

"As a regrettable outcome of this, we are no longer able to continue to trade.

"We would like to thank you for your custom and support and wish all our customers well in the future."

After learning the entire business was folding, Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said he is seeking an urgent meeting with Post Office Counters over the closure of the sub post office in the premises in Alcombe Road.

He added that a post office has operated in Alcombe for nearly a century and its disappearance will leave thousands of local people reliant on the office sited inside Minehead’s Co-op store - a situation Mr Liddell-Grainger says is unacceptable, while also saying that waiting times for service at the Minehead counters were already far too long.

“One of the most frequently heard complaints about the place is the length of time it frequently takes to get served - and that was with the Alcombe office available to relieve some of the pressure,” he said.

“This closure is going to cause a great many local people a great deal of inconvenience, and neither should we forget that the Co-op has already announced plans to redevelop its Minehead site for housing and a small convenience store.

“The Alcombe Post Office is a valued local institution and reportedly very well used.

"What I find particularly alarming is the lack of notice about the closure - and this is one of the matters I intend to raise with Post Office Counters.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Watchet Post Office has been temporarily run and that branch closed with immediate effect due to the resignation of the Postmaster.

"The vacancy for a permanent Postmaster has already been advertised and we have an interested retailer.

"This is at an early stage and if this application does not progress for any reason we will readvertise the vacancy.

"In the interim alternative branches include Williton and Washford.

“The same Postmaster has also resigned from operating Alcombe Post Office and this branch will close this Saturday.

"We are currently reviewing service provision for Alcombe.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these unplanned closures. Alternative branches for Alcombe are Avenue and Dunster.”