A village post office has permanently shut.

The service in Paydens Pharmacy in Ashford Road, Bearsted has closed.

Last summer, KentOnline reported the post office would be shutting in February as the pharmacy wanted to expand its own business and needed the space.

At the time, the site was being advertised by Post Office Ltd on its website.

The company said it was “seeking applicants to set up a brand new Post Office in this area” or “to incorporate a Post Office Local into their existing or proposed business”.

It is understood a replacement has not opened in the village yet.

When the closure was first mentioned in a parish council meeting last year, chairman David Hall said the village was “very concerned” about the prospect and said the post office was “tremendously busy”.

The nearest branches are now in Grove Green and Downswood.

But there have been concerns for the elderly and those who don’t drive who relied on the Ashford Road branch.

Others have also questioned why it was shut before another was opened in the village.

At the parish meeting, Cllr Hall said post offices closing are becoming an increasing problem, adding: “People don’t want to take on a post office anymore, because, frankly, it doesn’t pay much.

“Recruitment has almost certainly also been affected by the IT scandal.”

A discussion regarding the potential closure of the nearby Grove Green Post Office has also been circulating for some time.

And in October 2022, Penenden Heath closed its branch following the retirement of its postmaster after 26 years.

Fortunately on this occasion, it was relocated to the Best One at 80 Boxley Road.