Rising Bridge Post Office is set to close its doors for good after 27 years.

The post office, on Blackburn Road, is set to officially close on May 23.

A spokesperson for the Post Office said it is not looking to replace the site due to funding issues.

It has also thanked postmistress Barbara Poole for her 27 years of service at the site.

Barbara said it has been “a privilege” to serve the people of Rising Bridge and said she is closing the office due to “ill health”.

She said the site could reopen at a later date as a new business. It means the closest Post Office for residents is now 1.5 miles away in Haslingden.

She said: “We would like to thank you all for your valued custom. Due to ill health, we have decided to close down as a post office.

“We understand that this may come as a shock to local residents to no longer have a post office in the community. We did everything we could to relocate it but all our efforts fell short.

“Depending on the situation we find ourselves in, we may re-open at a later date as a new business, with a completely new venture.

"If anyone has any suggestions on what they would like to see in the local community we would be happy to hear them.

“We will be holding a closing down sale and would like to welcome everyone along.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We want to thank the Rising Bridge Postmistress, Barbara Poole, for her long and loyal service to the community over the past 27 years.

“We have looked to move the Post Office to two different locations and with different postmasters,  but unfortunately neither proceeded.

"The postmistress is no longer able to continue to operate the branch and it will close on Thursday, May 23, at 5.30pm.

 “In a very challenging economic climate Post Office has undertaken a comprehensive review of the network at a very detailed, local level, analysing customer demand and accessibility of Post Office products and services. 

“With finite funding and resources that need to be allocated to deliver maximum benefit for all our customers. At this time, therefore, we are not looking to replace Rising Bridge Post Office.”

 “Alternative branches in the area include Haslingden, which is 1.5 miles away, and Accrington which is 2.3 miles away.”

The full addresses of alternative branches are:

  • Haslingden Post Office, 14 Deardengate, Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 5QJ
  • Accrington Post Office, 18 Abbey Street, Accrington, BB5 1EB