IN a “huge blow” to residents, Haslemere could be left without a post office in June unless a permanent postmaster can be found to take over the lease of the West Street building.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed the town’s only post office may become “temporarily closed” when the lease expires at the end of June.

Haslemere’s other post office at Lion Green in Wey Hill closed last year when M&S took over the former Co-op building and plans to relocate the facility to Haslewey have not yet been finalised.

A Post Office spokesman told The Herald: “We are committed to maintaining a post office in Haslemere. The branch is run by a temporary postmaster and we are looking for a permanent solution. The vacancy is currently being advertised on our website. Alternative branches in the area include Hindhead and Fernhurst.

“We are also working hard to restore post office service to Lion Green. We are not yet in a position to begin any public consultation on any plans.”

Haslemere Town Council described the possible closure as “a huge blow” to residents, many of whom will “not be able to travel to surrounding areas to access post office services”.

The council has called on the Post Office for an urgent explanation as to how the situation has arisen and what it is doing to ensure the vacancy is filled before the June deadline.

Haslemere and District Chamber of Trade president David Goddin said: “Many people will be outraged at the loss of these services – even on a temporary basis. Offering Hindhead and Fernhurst as alternative branches may suit some users – but I suspect they will be inconvenient for the majority of Haslemere post office customers.

“The Post Office clearly has us very low on its priority list. Closure of the Lion Green facility was poorly handled and now it appears our historic central Post Office is going the same way. If it is genuinely ‘committed to maintaining a Post Office in Haslemere’ it should already have its arrangements in place for the end of the current lease.”