End of an era beckons for popular family post office (From Evesham Journal)

End of an era beckons for popular family post office

12:28pm Thursday 22nd January 2009 in News

THE end of an era beckons for Bengeworth Post Office as staff prepare to serve its customers for the final time.

Postmistress Pearl Bennett will close the doors for good after more than 40 years service on Monday, February 9.

Townsfolk battled to save the Northwick Road branch last year but it was not enough to save it from closure.

Mrs Bennett, aged 50, said: “This last year has held many highs and lows for me and I am truly sorry that all our efforts were in vain and we could not convince the Post Office that it was making a mistake.”

Mrs Bennett said she feared her staff would not find new jobs and that elderly people who relied on the service would suffer. “I feel awful now it is getting closer. It is sad,” she added.

“Folks still can’t believe it is going and think we are going to have a reprieve.”

A representative from the post office on Evesham High Street is expected to be at the branch during its last week to help with the closure.

Mrs Bennett said the building could be turned into offices and let out.

She started working on the counter as a teenager – but had been involved in the running of the branch from the tender age of six.

The campaign to save it from the axe included a protest march through the town with nearly 1,000 supporters and a packed-out public meeting.

It’s closure was part of a national programme of cut backs by the Post Office Ltd.

n A farewell party will be held on the day at The Mick Sharp Memorial Centre from 12.45pm to 2pm.

If anyone would like to contribute towards a collection, donate food or help set up a buffet, call Gordon Eames on 07792 877731.