Closure-threatened post office for sale (From Gazette Series)

Closure-threatened post office for sale

SEVERAL months after saving Wotton-under-Edge Post Office from closure sub-postmaster Nick Wadey has decided to sell.

Mr Wadey opened Wotton's new post office in June after investing almost £40,000 into the venture but this week he announced that he wanted to sell the business to pursue other challenges.

He said: "Wotton Post Office was taken on as a need rather than personal choice.

"There are other things I want to pursue."

However, Mr Wadey was quick to reassure people that the town's post office would not closing and new owners have already been found.

He said: "I am delighted to have found a secure pair of hands to take it on.

"The very capable team in place will continue under the current manager and the staff will continue to run it beyond April when the new owner takes over."

Wotton's post office had faced closure late last year when Tesco took over ownership of its previous premises - the One Stop Shop in Long Street. Tesco decided to shut the branch and convert it into a Tesco Express store.

Mr Wadey, who had previously owned the Harvest Store greengrocers, stepped forward to help save the branch. After months of uncertainty and problems with new premises, staff and planning permission the new post office opened in June offering the town the usual postal services as well as passports, travel insurance, banking and financial services.

This week Mr Wadey thanked the people of Wotton for all their support and urged them to keep using the post office.

He told the Gazette: "Wotton people have responded remarkably well and supported the new office wholeheartedly, even when service has been difficult.

"I urge this continued support for the post office and the new owner when he comes in as it is a difficult business to run profitably.

"Use it or lose it could never be more appropriate."