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THERE was huge disappointment in the village of Erlestoke, near Devizes, today to the news that it is to lose its post office in April despite last-ditch attempts to save it.

Paul Russell, landlord of the George and Dragon pub in the village, was dismayed that no reference was made in the decision letter to the possibility of a post office being sited in his pub.

He said: "We sent a letter to them several weeks ago and we have heard nothing. If we didn't have the opportunity to consult with them over bringing the post office in here I would be very disappointed."

Parish council chairman Stan Jonik said: "The whole village will be devastated by this. I haven't seen the decision letter yet, but it does look as though it is definitive.

"We've pushed it probably as far as we can, but when we see the notification, we will respond to that.

"This is particularly hard on elderly people in the village to get to a post office in another village with the bus service we've got.

"We have spoken to post office users groups, to politicians, councillors and business people. I can't see what else we could have done.

"This is a severe blow to the community. We are not only losing our post office, but our village shop as well."

10:56am Friday 22nd February 2008

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