Final farewell looms for Bengeworth Post Office (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Final farewell looms for Bengeworth Post Office

10:57am Wednesday 21st January 2009 in Evesham Vale By Katie Thompson

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 at 1pm.

Townsfolk battled to save the Northwick Road branch last year but it was not enough to save the office 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 they were making a mistake.”

Mrs Bennett said her last Christmas in the post office was a happy one but as closure looms she fears for her staff finding new jobs and the elderly who rely on the service.

“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 the High Street in Evesham is expected to be at the branch during its last week to help with the transition to its office.

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

She started working on the counter as a teenager but was involved in the running of the branch at 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 with civic leaders and post office bosses.

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

•A farewell party will be held on the day at The Mick Sharp Memorial Cenre from 12.45pm - 2pm.

If anyone would like to contribute towards a collection, donate finger food or help set up a buffet, contact Gordon Eames on 07792877731 or email gordonzzr@yahoo.co.uk.