A POST office which has served the community for more 150 years is closing its doors.

Lindale Stores and Post Office is shutting up shop next month after the owners announced their retirement.

Ian and Jan Maynard have run the village shop and post office for the past 11 years.

After unsuccessful attempts to sell the site, the couple have decided to retire from their roles and will continue to seek a buyer.

Mr Maynard thanked his loyal customers who had shown their support over the past decade.

“We said when we bought the post office and shop that we’d only be here for five years then we’d retire,” the 64-year-old said.

“But we weren’t able to sell it. We tried for five or six years with no success.

“Jan had retired from her job at the pharmacy and I was at the time where I was ready to retire and didn’t want to carry on.

“So unfortunately now we are closing the shop without having sold it because we’re both ready to retire.

“We’ve informed the public quite a bit in advance just in case a last-minute buyer comes forward.”

Mr Maynard said he had ‘very much enjoyed’ meeting customers from the village over the past 11 years.

He said: “I’ve very much enjoyed dealing with customers, but I’m getting older now and feel as if it’s my time to take a step back.

“No-one has said they’re glad it’s closing – quite a few people are fairly upset about it.

“It’s a bit of a shock for most people. A lot of customers said they were sorry to see us go but I’m still going to be involved in the village.

“I’m the chair of the parish council and we will continue to live here.

“It’s enjoyable to be at the centre of the community in the post office – you meet most people in the village.

“I’ve only ever had one or two customers in 11 years that haven’t been pleasant.

“Most people leave with a smile on their face which is my aim.”

Mr Maynard said there will be a post office outreach service two hours a week in the village hall.

Lindale Stores and Post Office will close on February 26.