Residents, businesses, and politicians have voiced their concern following the announcement that Burscough Bridge Post Office will close later this month, with many describing the loss as a blow to the heart of the community.
Post Office Ltd has confirmed the Liverpool Road North branch will close on July 22 at 5.30pm due to "operational reasons."
The closure will also lead to the suspension of 11 outreach services operated by the Burscough Bridge postmaster, affecting communities including Rufford, Banks, Haskayne, Orrell, Belmont, Salesbury, and Trawden.
The news has sparked an emotional reaction from residents, who say the branch provides much more than postal services.
One villager wrote: "Sad to hear we are losing our lovely village post office.
"Such friendly staff members and always at hand with biccies for Rolo."
Another resident responded: "No closing, Craig's going to manage a pub somewhere.
"The staff are losing their jobs, they are devastated, and I'm gutted for them and at losing a vital part of the village."
Others highlighted the importance of face-to-face services for residents.
One person said: "I heard the news from the staff today, really sad as it is such an important part of the village.
"Surely someone could take it on; we need this Post Office.
"These new fandangle Post boxes will never replace a human interaction."
West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton has now joined calls for services to be replaced and has written to Post Office chief executive Mark Brocklehurst seeking urgent answers.
In a letter sent on July 20, Ms Dalton said the closure had generated "significant concern" among residents and businesses across Burscough and the surrounding area.
She wrote: "Since the closure was announced, I have been contacted by a large number of constituents and local businesses who are deeply unhappy about the loss of this important community service."
The MP said many people had raised concerns about access to postal services, banking facilities, bill payments, and other everyday services provided by the branch.
She also warned of the potential impact on local businesses, writing that the Post Office plays a vital role in supporting activities including cash deposits and parcel dispatch.
"The loss of these services risks creating inconvenience, additional costs, and reduced accessibility for both business owners and customers," she said.
Ms Dalton urged Post Office Ltd to replace the lost provision "as a matter of urgency" and asked for details of any replacement branch, interim arrangements and timescales.
Posting on social media, the MP said: "I, like many of my constituents, am concerned about the closure of the Burscough Town Post Office and the outreach services it provides.
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"I have today written to the chief executive of the Post Office and urged the replacement of services to be lost."
Post Office Ltd has said it is looking for potential retail partners to operate a replacement branch and will continue working to restore services as soon as possible.
Customers are currently being directed to alternative branches at Burscough Town Post Office in Square Lane and Newburgh Post Office in Course Lane.
The Burscough Bridge branch will close at 5.30pm on July 22.
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