A town centre post office is to close by the end of the year leaving it with no bank or postal service.

Paydens chemist in Rochester High Street is pulling out of running the service from November.

Bosses at the Post Office are looking to relocate to an alternative business in the town which is being backed by MP Kelly Tolhurst.

The former Minister for Postal Affairs is appealing for a community organisation or trader to come forward and take on the "massively important" role.

She said: "It's sad that Paydens have made this decision but we have time to to something about it.

"There are certain regulations that have to be fulfilled running this type of set-up but the doors are open and it could be a good long-term investment."

The counter service currently handles parcels, a foreign exchange and a banking facility.

Ms Tolhurst said when the major high street banks made controversial decisions to close bosses used it as "an excuse" that the post office would provide an alternative to bank users preferring face-to-face service.

She said she has been liaising with Post Office managers to find a suitable venue in the town.

A Post Office spokesman said: "The current operator has resigned from operating Rochester Post Office from November 2023. We know how important a post office is to a community and we will soon be advertising the vacancy on www.runapostoffice.co.uk. We would welcome interest from local retailers."

Sarah Tranter, Rochester City Centre Forum, said:‘Obviously the news that the Post Office is leaving Paydens is worrying, but the Forum had been aware this was on the cards, so we and our Ward councillor have been actively looking for another venue where it could go.

"We are confident that we will find a solution and have several months to do so.

"On the other hand, we are really pleased that Paydens are intending to refurbish and upgrade the pharmacy. They already provide a great service and with the increase in the population around the High Street, it should be able to serve the community more effectively."

The family-run business took on the post office operation when the central office near Star Hill closed as part of nationwide cutbacks.

Paydens employs staff who currently work at the post office.

Paydens has been approached for a comment.

The nearest other branches are at the Spar supermarket in Maidstone Road, Rochester near the junction of Priestfields and in North Street, Strood.

If an alternative venue is not found it means that there is not a bank or post office in a town that attracts thousands of tourists every year to its popular festivals.