IT is feared small independent shops could close in Wellington the longer the town does not have a Post Office.

The Post Office in High Street closed last summer and despite efforts to obtain alternative premises, nothing has so far been found.

Now concerns have been voiced that the lack of a Post Office will eventually have a serious knock-on effect for town traders because it means people are going elsewhere.

Cllr Nancy Brace-Powell, speaking at the latest Wellington Town Council meeting, said the lack of Post Office was having a detrimental impact on small businesses in the town.

“I know a lot of people do things online, but not everyone does and people do come into the town centre, but without a Post Office the footfall has gone down. I really do worry that small independent traders will go as a result of there being no Post Office.”

Cllr Mike MucGuffie, a member of a town council working party looking at the Post Office situation, said it was ‘very frustrating’.

The council has written a letter to Debbie Smith, chief executive for retail of Post Office, expressing its growing anxiety about the lack of Post Office facilities in the town.

“Councillors have once again debated this issue and write to express serious concern about the lack of progress in getting a replacement Post Office,” said the letter.

“Specifically councillors request that you consider an alternative operating model for the town, offering a reduced rate, thereby enabling an appropriate local retailer to consider this as a realistic business opportunity.

“The nearest Post Office is at Rockwell Green, which requires a significant journey from the town centre. The site also has no parking and is on a main road so is really only useful to immediately local residents at Rockwell Green.”

The letter concluded: “The council considers that the Post Office has a significant role to play in the community as a public body and asks you that you treat the request for a replacement service as a matter of immediate priority.”

The letter was dated December 12 but town clerk Kathryn Hemensley told councillors she had yet to receive a reply.

The council has since contacted Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow to see if she can use any influence at Westminster to try and get things moving.

A Post Office spokesman has previously said that it is ‘committed to providing a Post Office in Wellington’ and was looking at ways to provide Post Office services. Any retailer interested in incorporating a Post Office in its premises should email [email protected] or phone 0333 345 5560 and select option 2.