THE post office which serves Thwaites Brow and Long Lee is to close at the end of March.

The owner of Thwaites Brow Post Office, in Moss Carr Road, has confirmed the closure, though stressed that the news agents side of the business will remain open.

Kevin Gamble, 65, has run the post office for about 30 years. He previously managed a shop in Drighlington.

His wife Carol, who helps at the post office, said it had been on the market for 18 months, but no one had expressed an interest in taking it on.

"It is with great regret that we're doing this, as the post office will be missed," she added.

"We've got to know a lot of people and it's a focal point of the neighbourhood.

"It will be older people who'll miss it most, because some of them still come here to collect their pensions.

"But it is a very big commitment for Kevin with long working days. He'll start at 5am doing the papers and he'll still be there at 6.30pm."

Mr Gamble said he would only be going into semi-retirement once the post office shuts, as he will continue to manage the news agents.

He said the post office's last day will be Wednesday March 29.

Although the news agents will continue to open during morning hours, it will not be selling lottery tickets.

"I am sad because it has been such a big part of my life for the last 30 years," Mr Gamble said.

"But it's not an easy job to do and it has got to the point where I can't really continue any longer.

"I've known Carol for 12 years and we haven't been able to have a proper holiday away together during all that time."