England’s Southernmost Post Office to Close Next Month

The Post Office located furthest south in England is scheduled to cease operations next month, following the departure of its long-serving tenants after almost four decades. Len and Linda Trott assumed management of The Lizard Post Office in Cornwall in 1988. Mr. Trott, aged 79, who is retiring, expressed that it would be a “sad day” given that the peninsula has maintained its own post office for over 120 years. The Post Office stated that it had extended an invitation for prospective tenants to apply to operate the branch, but no applications had been received thus far. It confirmed the facility’s closure on Wednesday, December 4, at 17:00 GMT. Mr. and Mrs. Trott, who originally hailed from Surrey, recounted their move to The Lizard in 1988 and their swift acceptance by the local community. Mrs. Trott commented: “Despite being from upcountry, we were welcomed warmly… as soon as we said we weren’t going to change anything.” She added: “We were told the people were very Cornish here, but they were very nice and let us in quite quickly because they needed the Post Office.” She further stated: “We’re very much a pillar of the community.” The Post Office building itself was constructed in 1897 and retains numerous historical elements, such as its original wooden counter and a sturdy wooden desk equipped with brass handles. Mr. Trott indicated his preference for traditional methods, noting he had been “dragged kicking and screaming” into adopting the contemporary computer systems now utilized by the Post Office. He continues to employ an antique set of scales for weighing letters, and even bundles of banknotes. He elaborated: “I weigh each bundle of £1,000 against each other to make sure they’re right.” The couple confirmed they were not implicated in the Post Office scandal, an event where hundreds of sub-postmasters faced accusations or convictions for theft and fraud due to a defective computer system known as Horizon. Mrs. Trott remarked: “We’re very lucky. We’ve seen the pain and anguish it caused for others.” When questioned about his feelings regarding the Post Office’s closure, Mr. Trott stated: “It was built as a Post Office in 1897 and opened in 1898.” He continued: “It’s been a Post Office ever since – it’s really a sad day that it’s going to close.” He added: “I turn 80 soon, I’ve had some health issues [and] we’ve been here 36 years, so I think I’ve done my bit.” The Post Office acknowledged that Mr. and Mrs. Trott had served their community “above and beyond.” It stated: “Len and Linda Trott have served The Lizard community for 36 years.” It further commented: “They have now decided to take a well-earned retirement. “We want to sincerely thank this couple for their long and loyal service.” The Post Office indicated that the operational vacancy for The Lizard’s Post Office was being advertised on its website and that it welcomed expressions of interest from retailers. It advised: “In the interim, the nearest alternative branch is at Ruan Minor or at Mullion.”