ROYAL Mail has refused a postmistress’s offer to spare customers a ten-mile trip to collect post by storing it at her post office.

Sharon Waters offered to hold on to undelivered packages and letters at Shoebury’s George Street sub-post office, saving customers a trip into Southend, now the neighbouring delivery office has closed.

Royal Mail has told her her the sub-post office is too small to keep all the mail and it would be unable to let her store only smaller items.

Steve Molloy, delivery director for Southend, said: “After talking to the sub-postmistress, we found it would not be possible to provide a collection service at the branch.

“It is also not possible, operationally, for us to segregate some items of mail for collection at a post office, based on size.”

However, the company has pointed out customers do not necessarily have to travel to Southend to get their mail, since postmen can be asked to leave it with a neighbour.

It will also redeliver mail free of charge on a more convenient day.

including Saturdays, or take the item to an alternative address within the same postcode area.

Mr Molloy said: “We are committed to maintaining a high quality service in Shoebury and are making every effort to ensure the relocation of our operations goes as smoothly as possible.”

After hearing the news Mrs Waters, who has worked at the post office for 24 years, said: “I take it in my stride. Not everything you offer to do comes off.

“It’s inconvenient for people, but there’s nothing more I can do.”

Royal Mail closed the Shoebury office along with those in Leigh and Rochford earlier this month, in the face of an 11,000-name petition opposing the closures.