CROFT residents feel that they have been let down by plans to turn the former village post office into a residential property.

The post office closed in December 2001 and the postmaster was suspended following an audit. An investigation was launched into the management of the post office, which never reopened.

Village residents launched a campaign in July 2002 to stop the former post office from being turned into a residential property.

The post office, which used to be part of the general store, was traditionally one of the main meeting places in the village.

Last year, developers were granted planning permission to turn the building into a bistro and general store, with associated living accommodation, but the bistro never opened.

And just three weeks ago, developers applied for planning permission to turn the former post office cottages into three self-contained apartments.

Croft councillor Les Hoyle said: "I am very disappointed by this and most of the residents are too.

"We lost the post office but we thought we were at least getting something in return for the village. Now it appears that we are getting nothing.

"This is a major loss for a small community like Croft."

The planning application was submitted to the borough council last month and can be viewed at the planning department, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington. The reception is open from 9am to 5pm.