THE Post Office have said they are “working hard to find a solution” following the sudden closure of a well-loved branch in Dorset.

St Ives post office closed its doors on Friday, seeing the village and community stripped of a postal service.

The post office had been owned by Ambi and Manj Aujla, who announced its closure last week.

A spokesperson for Post Office Ltd said: “The Postmaster for St Ives has resigned with short notice.

"The branch temporarily closed at its current location yesterday when the shop where the Post Office is based, closed.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We are working hard to find a solution. In the meantime alternative branches in the area include Parsonage Barn Lane and Poulner.”

Ambi and Manj were forced to close the branch amid rising costs and reduced trade. Speaking on Friday, Ambi said: “It’s a very sad loss for the community, but times are changing.

“Sadly community services like this are going to disappear, and they’re going to disappear all over.

"The public needs to wake up.

"If you know a post office local to you, please use it, because they are desperate for trade."

“We want to thank people as we’ve had massive support as well. I do worry for them now, and where they’re going to go."

Alternative branches can be found at 43-45 Parsonage Barn Lane, Ringwood, BH24 1PS and Butlers Lane, Poulner, Ringwood, BH24 1UB.