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Post Office announces closure of Leysdown branch

11:01, 19 April 2024

A village post office has announced its closure.

The Post Office has confirmed its Leysdown branch, on Sheppey, is to shut after the resignation of its postmaster.

Leysdown Post Office is within Leysdown pharmacy. Picture: Megan Carr
Leysdown Post Office is within Leysdown pharmacy. Picture: Megan Carr

Based in Leysdown pharmacy, a poster stuck in the window says it is scheduled to cease trading on Monday, June 10 - however, this date has not been confirmed.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Regrettably, we have very recently received a resignation from the operator for Leysdown-on-Sea Post Office in June.

“The vacancy will soon be advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk and we would welcome interest from retailers.

“We appreciate that communities value their local post office and we apologise to customers who may need to travel further to access services.”

The next nearest post office is in Minster, almost six miles away.

A note on the door of Leysdown pharmacy says that Leysdown Post Office is set to close in two months. Picture: Megan Carr
A note on the door of Leysdown pharmacy says that Leysdown Post Office is set to close in two months. Picture: Megan Carr

Mick, who did not wish to give his surname, lives just up the road from the branch in Leysdown.

The 60-year-old, who moved to the area three years ago, said: “That post office is the only place you can withdraw free money here.

“The next place I’d go is the supermarket which is seven miles away. I don’t think the posting aspect leaving Leysdown will affect us too much but we will now have to drive to Minster if we need to pick up or send back a parcel.”

This isn’t the only post office on the Island that’s been forced to close recently.

A branch in Queenborough stopped serving the community at the end of February following a “particularly challenging period”.

Queenborough Post Office closed in February. Picture: Google Maps
Queenborough Post Office closed in February. Picture: Google Maps

Following the announcement of the Leysdown branch closure those living in the area have shared their outrage on social media.

One person said: “What the hell are the non-drivers going to do?

“The nearest post office is going to be in Minster. Why does Leysdown seem to be going backwards in time?”

Another commented: “I use the Leysdown Post Office a lot, there are always lots of elderly people in there who don't drive, it’s such a busy place.”

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