THE Post Office in Tintagel is set to close at the end of February, and the Royal Mail is currently exploring alternative locations to continue a service in the village.

Some customers of the Post Office were shocked to see a notice from the current subpostmaster, Mick Goward displayed in the window.

It said: "As a result of competition against traditional Post Office business, i.e. bill payments through Pay Point, sale of postage stamps in most shops, the government policy of encouraging business away from the Post Office, such as pensions and allowances to be paid into bank accounts, car taxes by internet, renewal of TV licences, and printing stamps by internet, it has become uneconomical to run a 'stand alone' Post Office.

"Post Office policy is now aimed at having Post Offices within large shops such as supermarkets, believeing that the extra foot-fall will complement the Post Office business. The days of a dedicated small village Post Office are numbered."

The notice, signed Mick, Gill and Jackie, continued: "Regretfully, after nearly 26 years, we have decided to call it a day and this business will close on February 27. We are very sorry for the inconvenience to those customers and friends who have supported us throughout.

"Post Office Counters is negotiating to retain some form of Post Office services in premises in the village, but I am not party to these negotiations and cannot give any firther information."

The news was a blow for Mike and Diane Gardner of CW Office Supplies of Tintagel, who regularly use the Post Office.

They said: "We are shocked at the news that Tintagel Post Office is to close at the end of February. We have been in business for over 23 years and the Post Office is an important link between us and our customers, who are located all over the country.

"It would mean we would have to travel by car to another village to reach a Post Office if a suitable location cannot be found."

They explained: "The Post Office is our designated drop-off point for our franked mail which is well over 100 letters and parcels per week. This will be a blow to all residents and we hope a suitable site can be found in the village especially for pensioners collecting their weekly pensions."

Cllr Bob Flower, chairman of Tintagel Parish Council, told the 'Post': "I think it's devastating really. We really need a Post Office here. It's very well used but the only trouble is now that the Post Office has cut down the fees they pay the ones that run the Post Office. It isn't possible to run a Post office on its own. The only thing you can do is to have a shop with it. I'm hoping that one of the shops will take it on."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Tintagel Post Office is due to close at its current site on February 27 following the resignation of the subpostmaster.

"We are committed to maintaining a service in the village and are exploring all available options to find a new location for the Post Office. We have spoken to people interested in running the service on behalf of Post Office Ltd and are making progress with those discussions."