RESIDENTS in Christchurch have been left shocked after discovering the town’s main post office will close its doors today.

The post office in Church Street will shut at midday and it is currently unknown if, or when, it will reopen.

Noel Adams, director of Christchurch Life Ltd, took over running the post office in February 2014 from the former postmaster.

At the time Post Office Ltd was undergoing a huge restructuring plan which included major refurbishment projects for some branches - including the one in Church Street.

But now just two years down the line, Ms Adams has decided to liquidate her company which is deemed no longer financially viable - and as a result the post office will close.

Speaking to the Echo she said: “I’m really emotional about the whole thing.

“I have worked tirelessly for two years putting money, time and effort into trying to keep the post office going but I just feel that my hands have been tied all the way.

“The problem is that since I took over I have had very little support from the Post Office on how best to keep the business going.

“I am struggling to compete with cheaper parcel delivery companies and banks and businesses on the high street which now offer a lot of our services.

“There is also the fact that my business rates and rent costs are very high because we are located in Christchurch.

“It puts me in a very difficult position.”

According to Ms Adams part of the problem is that a lot of services are now available online, such as driving licence and passport applications, which has meant fewer people are visiting post offices.

Stephen Bowden (pictured), president of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said it would be very sad for the town if the post office was to close.

“We want all businesses in the town to thrive and add to the offering in Christchurch.”

Residents fear the closure will leave elderly and vulnerable people living in the town unable to access basic postal services.

Gordon Raymond, 69, from Southbourne, said: “It will certainly be an inconvenience. I use it for everything - letters, parcels, general money transfers and travel money.

And Margaret Evans, 69, who lives in Christchurch, said: “I live just down the road and I use the post office for posting cards and presents. I really will be lost without it.

“There is one at St Catherine’s Hill, but that is much too far for me.”

The closest branches will now be Purewell Cross Post Office, in Somerford Road, Southbourne Grove Post Office or Stourvale Post Office in Barrack Road.