POST office bosses have been branded “dismissive” by Millom councillors who are angry their town will be left without an alternative service during a three-week closure.

Elderly and vulnerable residents face being unable to access their pensions when Millom post office closes for refurbishment.

It is due to close during school holidays on July 28 until the afternoon of August 14, when there is unlikely to be a regular bus service to neighbouring sites in Bootle, Haverigg and Broughton.

The improvement plans have been supported by town councillors but they have branded it “unacceptable” to have no alternative.

Millom Town Council learned of the closure plans in May but originally believed a mobile van service would be offered as an alternative.

Town and borough councillor Bob Kelly said: “They are refusing to provide any alternative in Millom so the nearest will be Haverigg.

“We have contacted the Post Office HQ and have been pushed from pillar to post, but they are not going to do anything. They have been very dismissive.

“For those who don’t drive it will cost them £2.50 each way to Haverigg, or £4.50 return. It’s just totally arrogant on their part. People are going to be really stuck without the service.”

Copeland Labour MP Jamie Reed, who wrote to Post Office bosses in June to raise his concerns, is “extremely” disappointed by the lack of action to solve the issue.

He said: “I am extremely disappointed that the Post Office has not heeded the concerns of local residents in Millom. The strength of feeling within the town has been clearly demonstrated and temporary provisions should have been put in place.

“I will be writing to ministers to ask the government to intervene to develop a contingency plan.”

The Post Office says the fully modernised Millom post office, in George’s Road, will be open from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, an increase of 11 hours, with services from three counters. During the closure, services will be available at Haverigg, Broughton and Silecroft.

Post Office area manager Anne Clark said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.”