People in Westbury could be left without a central postal service for up to five months according to the Post Office.

The future of the Edward Street branch, which is in the Coopers store, has been in jeopardy since supermarket chain Morrisons bought it out in February.

The Post Office and Morrisons have been trying to find a postmaster to take over the branch from outgoing postmaster David Copper, as it closes on Thursday, April 30, but there is now speculation that the store will shut on May 2 for up to five months while a refurbishment takes place.

It was hoped a temporary post office would be operated from a mobile unit in the Warminster Road car park while any refurbishment took place but this idea seems to have been scrapped by the Post Office.

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said: “We are at present looking for persons and suitable premises.

“Post Office Ltd would like to apologise to customers for the pending lapse in service along with our assurances that everything practically possible is being done to secure the long-term future of the branch.

“Following the temporary closure our customers will be able to access services at alternative branches in the area such as The Ham, Dilton and Bratton.”

Richard Butt, who owns Londis Hillworth Stores and Bratton post office in Melbourne Street, with his wife Tracey, said: “I’m waiting to hear back from the Post Office to see if I can have another counter here. Between ourselves, Dilton Marsh and The Ham I think we can serve all the local residents but it’s not going to be fun for the people of Westbury who will have to travel out of town.”

A third counter will also be opened at The Ham post office to help cope with extra demand and postmistress Lesley Jordan has been told she will be able to provide motor vehicle licences, which are also available at Bratton Post Office.

Anybody who is interested in taking on the Edward Street branch should ring the Post Office’s agency recruitment team on 0845 601 6260.