Some residents are facing a 120km round trip just to get their parcels, after the closure of Somerton's Post Office.
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Residents like Michael Bennett have been left reeling after what they call the "shock" closure of the community hub.
Some only found out about the closure after seeing a "leaked" email last Friday, outlining the last operating day would be Thursday.
An Australia Post spokesperson confirmed to the Leader that the office had shut its doors as of 5pm yesterday.
However, there is hope, with the company saying they are currently seeking expressions of interest for someone to take over provision of the service.
The spokesperson attributed "unforeseen circumstances" for ringing the death knell of the business.
It's an inconvenience to a lot of people. A lot of people that are elderly pay their bills and things there.
- Michel Bennett
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Somerton Post Office will permanently cease operating upon close of business, Thursday 28 May," the statement said.
They also ascertain notices were "displayed in-store to advise customers of this closure".
Somerton residents will now have to travel to Westdale to pick up their mail and parcels, some 30kms down the road - even further for out-of-towners.
Mr Bennett spoke to the Leader on Thursday to express his chagrin at the closure.
He said the small town only found out about four days before the doors were locked for the last time.
"It's an inconvenience to a lot of people. A lot of people that are elderly pay their bills and things there," he said.
"People that live 20 to 30kms out of town, yes they were on a mail run, but still they have to pick up their parcels."
But all may not be lost, efforts are underway to find a way to maintain the postal service in Somerton.
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"Australia Post is committed to maintaining postal services in Somerton and has opened Expressions of Interest to residents and local businesses to take on the provision of postal services," a spokesperson said.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will keep the community updated."
