CREWKERNE Post Office has been forced to closed earlier than expected as it has been put on the market.

The East Street branch was set to shut on January 21, just four months after it reopened following a temporary closure in September.

The announcement means the Kithill branch is now the only post office in the town.

The initial closure, which started on Friday, September 11, was as a result of "unforeseen circumstances".

Following the permanent closure, Crewkerne Post Office said on Facebook: "Just to let all our customers know we have now closed... thank you for all your support and custom over the years."

Members of the public took to social media to let their feelings be known about the closure.

Lorraine Lola Clarke said: "Closed two weeks early and shame a new owner and premises hasn't been found."

Christine Frost added: "Disaster for Crewkerne. Let's hope Post Office can find a suitable shop in town centre to reopen"

Meanwhile, Mandy McDougall said: "That's a real shame and loss for Crewkerne and the local area."

When the post office closed temporarily in September, a note on the door of the branch said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Post Office will be closed for the foreseeable future. Sorry for any inconvenience. The nearest Post Office is Nisa, Kit Hill."

An advert to find an existing business to take on the post office has been placed on www.runapostoffice.co.uk, with the closing date set for March 4.

At a Crewkerne Town Council meeting last week, it was announced that finding a new home for the town's post office is expected to take a number of weeks.

A nearby village post office at Hinton St George have said they have noted an increase in the number customers following the closure in Crewkerne.

A spokesperson for the community shop said: "The post office as part of OUR Shop Hinton St George continues to prosper and is about to have a facelift.

"Members who own OUR Shop are holding their AGM on January 22 at St George's Hall at 6pm."