RESIDENTS could face long queues to post their Christmas mail this year in Bournemouth as a number of post offices remain out of action.

Long queues have been seen in the post office on Old Christchurch Road recently.

A sign has been put up in the store advising visitors the closure of several post offices within a five mile radius have had a "massive impact" on waiting times.

The warning goes on to say: "We are working to our best ability with the resources we have and aim to serve you as quickly as possible."

West Hill post office, at Commercial Road, and Kinson post office, at Wimborne Road, have both been closed since August.

Newtown post office, at Sea View Road, has also been out of service for some time and more recently the Hambledon Road service has closed following the death of the postmaster.

In response to increased demands on the town centre branch, a Post Office spokesperson said: “There are more than 20 Post Offices within a five mile radius of Bournemouth’s city centre, therefore, customers have a wide variety of branches that they can visit.

"To find the up-to-date information about the location of Post Offices, their opening hours and the services that they provide please visit www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.

“We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services. We sincerely apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Kinson, West Hill and Newtown Post Offices earlier this year due to operational reasons.

"Sadly, Hambledon Road branch also recently closed due to the death of the postmaster and the sale of the business.

“We are working hard to restore services for the community as quickly as possible. The vacancies are currently advertised on our website www.runapostoffice.co.uk.

"Interest has already been expressed in several of these branches and we currently talking to interested parties.

"Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should ring 0845 266 8790 and talk to an advisor or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk."