A post office that has been closed for more than a year is to shut up shop for good as cash-strapped mail operator Consignia makes cutbacks.

Following an announcement last week that Thatto Heath post office, on Lugsmore Lane is to be axed, a spokesperson from Consignia said the organisation's financial difficulties had played a part in the closure.

However, Consignia added other post offices in the area have benefited from extra business - vital to their long-term survival.

And the mail company also claims a "suitable" sub postmaster could not be found when a vacancy was advertised earlier this year.

Vital

Retail Line manager Andy Steele from the Post Office Ltd said: "This closure will give the other offices the opportunity to gain business which is vital for their long-term futures. This is relevant at a time when our organisation is facing serious financial difficulties, not least because of the government's decision to make benefit payments into bank accounts from April next year."

"Though we acknowledge that this closure will be a disappointment and inconvenience to some customers, we are having to make difficult decisions now in order to secure the future viability of our nationwide network of post offices."