Britain's most southerly Post Office, in the Lizard, closes today
The historic post office will shut its doors at 5pm
The most southerly Post Office in mainland Britain - in Cornwall - will close today (Wednesday 4 December).
The historic Lizard Post Office will shut after tenants Len and Linda Trott have decided to retire after nearly 40 years.
"So much history"
Len Trott told us: "There is so much history in this place. It was built in 1897 as a Post Office and actually opened in 1898.
"Three generations of the same family ran it for 90 years and then we came down for another 36."
Linda and Len still uses traditional balance scales to weigh out envelopes and cash.
Linda Trott added: "All the wood is original, the original counters. That's what people love about it from all around the country. They say don't change it. This is a real Post Office. It even smells like a real Post Office."
Although it isn't the cause of the Post Office closure in the Lizard, it comes as another blow for local offices with around 115 branches set to close across the UK by 2030 as part of national cost-cutting efforts.
Linda and Len said they worry about the elderly community who will be without a Post Office or bank in the village:
"Mullion is only five miles away and Ruan Minor is three miles. But they haven't got any transport, their own transport, and there's a very limited bus service. What are they going to do?"
The premises are for sale but so far the couple have struggled to find anyone else to take it on as a business.
In a statement, a spokesperson from The Post Office said: "Len and Linda Trott have served The Lizard community for 36 years.
"They have now decided to take a well-earned retirement. We want to sincerely thank this couple for their long and loyal service and for going above and beyond for their customers.
"The vacancy is currently being advertised on our website www.runapostoffice.co.uk and we would welcome interest from retailers.
"In the interim the nearest alternative branch is at Ruan Minor, or at Mullion. The Lizard Post Office closes on Wednesday 4 December at 5pm."
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