THE CLOSURE of a post office in Penarth has been described as a "sad loss" to the community.

The Wood Street branch will close on Wednesday, August 30 as the postmaster retires after 34 years.

Sandy Guppy, whose parents have run the post office for more than three decades and who also runs the Fig Tree restaurant on the Esplanade with her partner Mike, said: "It it is sad loss for the community.

"I think it is important people know especially the customers who know my parents so well. They are so well thought of."

But a Post Office spokesman described the closure as "temporary" because they are considering options to reinstate a service in the area and are appealing to any business owner who may be able to help run it.

"Following the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for post office use, Wood Street post office will temporarily close on Wednesday, August 30," he said.

"We know how important post office services are to people in Penarth and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience this may cause."

Users can access Penarth Post Office in Glebe Street or Murch Post Office in Castle Drive, Dinas Powys instead.

The Post Office spokesman added: "We would like to assure customers that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a post office service to the local community.

"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, email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk or visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk."