SOME villagers are facing an eight-mile round trip after the closure of a sub post office.

Belmont Post Office, High Street, will be closed from August 26 temporarily after the resignation of the postmaster.

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The post office and general store, the only one in the village, has been up for sale for some time, without a buyer being found.

Further discussions are now expected over the possible relocation of the branch, with a suggestion being made that it could find a home in a local pub.

Alternative post office services have been suggested at Bromley Cross and Astley Bridge, both between 7.5 and eight miles round trip away.

Several other villages across Lancashire have seen sub post-offices opened in licensed premises, operating over two or three days a week.

Cllr Colin Rigby said: “The Post Office has said it is looking to talk to people in the village about relocation.”

The loss of the post office would be a further blow for the village, as question marks remain about a regular bus service, with the planned withdrawal of two Arriva services, at the end of the month.

There also doubts over funding for school services between Belmont and Bolton schools.

A Post Office spokesman said that the resignation of the postmaster, effective from August 26, and the withdrawal of the premises in High Street, would result in a temporary closure.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period. We are looking to restore a Post Office service in this area as soon as possible,” he added.