THE FUTURE OF THE POST OFFICE: T will be end of an era for Swindon's oldest post office when the final customer is served next month.

Mohibali Nayani, who has been running the Clifton Street branch in Old Town with his wife, Noorjahan, since 1988 said a large part of his life was being snatched away from him. But he has vowed, when the counter is taken away from his shop, he will continue selling groceries to customers.

After gazing at an old black and white photograph of the 150-year-old building, he said it was the end of an "historic episode".

"It will be over soon and I can do nothing but accept it," said Mr Nayani.

"I'm honoured to have served so many customers in the town but I've always thought that it was inevitable that it would close down.

"I will have to wait and see how the shop copes after it has gone."

Mr Nayani blames falling trade for the closure. "Over the last couple of years I have seen a drastic decline," he said. "Old customers have died and the younger generation is going elsewhere."

The sub-postmaster is also expecting the predicted angry backlash from campaigners.

Sue Phipps, 55, of Exmouth Street, said: "Local residents are baffled and upset and feel the decision was made months ago meaning our efforts have been for nothing."

Branches in Ferndale Road and Oxford Road in Lower Stratton say they have also accepted their fate.