A COUPLE much-loved by the community of Sherston have made the difficult decision to sell the village’s post office and store.

Paul and Gail Mather, who have run Sherston Post Office for the last 14 years, will be moving on once it is sold, to spend time with their family.

“It was a decision taken due to family commitments,” Mr Mather explained. “We love the business and it is as strong as ever, but we have elderly parents and grandchildren.

“It is a full-on job and commitment.

“We are staying in the area, but this is just to free up some of our time.

“At the moment, if we do use our time for the family, it impacts on the business, which is the last thing we want to do.

“We came to the decision that the best way forward would be for us to make a clean break from our business responsibilities to prevent us losing focus and therefore affecting customer service.”

On announcing their decision to sell, they were inundated with lovely messages and well wishes from customers who will be sad to see them go.

Mr Mather said: “It is so overwhelming. It is heartening, but that sums up Sherston.

“We have been overwhelmed by the large number of kind comments in person and posted on social media.”

Both Mr and Mrs Mather will continue to do what they can to serve the community’s needs until a sale is achieved.

Their decision to sell will not affect the shop and post office as it has been given community status as it is vital to the village.

It will also not affect the Old School Project.

“This won’t happen overnight, we know it will take time.

“Business is strong and the project is not in jeopardy”, Mr Mather said.

The Old School, a Grade II listed building, which houses the shop and post office, is run by the community and provides employment opportunities and services.