A DALE post office is to close after the postmistress of almost 40 years became ill last month.
Gainford Post Office will shut on Thursday, July 19. The news comes after Anne Pratt suffered a stroke on May 2. She remains in hospital.
Ms Pratt has run the service at the century old post office on High Green since 1979. Despite being under threat in the past from “modernisation” proposals, she has fought hard to keep it running.
The business has been up for sale but nobody has come forward to purchase it. In a statement, the Pratt family said: “To keep this service in the village, Anne has continued to keep it running through difficult times and at personal cost. Unfortunately, following this recent illness, this is no longer sustainable.
“The family’s main priority now is to make Anne’s home suitable for her return.
“We do, of course, recognise that the closure of this post office will have an impact on the village but hope that, in recognition of Anne’s dedication to the community over the years, we can count on your support to welcome her home.” The Mercury is available from the butcher’s and village shop from July 18.
