VILLAGERS today called on mail bosses to move quickly to replace their local post office, which is due to close next month.

Post Office Ltd, part of Royal Mail, has announced that Ribchester Post Office, in Blackburn Road, will shut on May 26 when the long-serving post mistress retires.

Because the building is also being sold, Post Office Ltd now needs to find a new base, as well as a new post master, before services can resume in the village.

Until someone else comes forward to run the business, residents in the village face trips to either Berry Lane Post Office in Longridge, or Hurst Green Village Post Office.

Alan Ormand, clerk to Ribchester Parish Council, said: "Ideally, we would have liked for a new base to have been found before the current one closes.

"If you have a car, it is not too much of a problem because Longridge is only down the road, but there are only buses about once every two hours at the moment.

"Hurst Green Post Office really isn't an option, it is so far out of the way.

"As a parish council, we are opposed to the closure and hope that an alternative site will be found quickly."

Rural Transfer Adivser Andy Wright said: "We apologise for the inconvenience. The existing premises will not be available so anyone interested in the vacancy must also be able to provide suitable, alternative premises."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "I hope Post Office act quickly to replace this vital facility."

Further information on taking over the post office is available from 08456 016260.