The future of a village post office is in doubt after the owners revealed plans to cease trading in June.

Charlotte and Steve Tillbrook have decided to call time on their four-year spell as owners of Wethersfield Village Shop and Post Office, off Silver Street.

The couple have made the difficult decision due to problems with thefts and a lack of custom from residents in the village.

Mrs Tillbrook also said the burdening workload of the shop means she is missing out on time with her children.

She said: “It’s been very tough decision for us a family to make. The Post Office needs a viable business alongside to support its running costs.

“Unfortunately my husband is working to pay for the stock. We have personally lost more than £5,000 in the last six months and we simply can not sustain this anymore.

“We did warn people in December that we were struggling but unfortunately lack of support has meant making this sad decision.”

The Tillbrook’s took over the post office in late 2013, some 50 years after Steve’s late father Jack first opened the store.

The couple suffered a setback earlier this year when thieves broke into and ransacked their store before making off with and stole £1,500 worth of tobacco and alcohol.

Mrs Tillbrook admits the ordeal has also played a part in the decision to close the store.

She added: “The break-in in January has left me personally worrying about noises in the night and fear of being broken into again.

“We have exhausted all options to continue but will work with the relevant people to try and keep some sort of post service locally.”

A Post Office spokesman, said: “The Postmaster for Wethersfield has recently resigned and the Post Office and shop, which we do not own, are due to close in mid-June. We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services. We are committed to maintaining a Post Office in the area, and the vacancy will soon be advertised.”

Visit website www.runapostoffice.co.uk.”